Henry Sugar, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, is a wealthy bachelor who has dedicated his life to gambling, using the substantial fortune he inherited from his father. At 41 years old, Henry's selfish nature has kept him from forming any meaningful relationships, and he has chosen not to share his wealth with anyone. His penchant for luxury includes a penchant for exquisite clothing and a flashy Ferrari, which he treats as a mere accessory to his extravagant lifestyle, spending on cars as one might for an entire cottage.
Obsessed with the idea of amassing even more wealth, Henry ventures into the world of deceitful gambling. One day, while visiting his friend William W, he stumbles upon a curious book in William's library that piques his interest. This book details the fascinating account of Dr. ZZ Chatterjee, played by Dev Patel, and Imdad Khan, portrayed by Ben Kingsley. Imdad, who first met Dr. Chatterjee in Calcutta on December 2, 1935, claimed to possess the extraordinary ability to perceive the world without relying on his eyesight—a skill he was eager to prove through rigorous testing.
Imdad, a 61-year-old with distinctive white hair and mustache, had spent his life traveling with a circus. He enthusiastically participated in tests conducted by Dr. Chatterjee, involving blindfolds and bandages to ensure he truly could not see. To everyone’s astonishment, Imdad confidentally cycled away from the hospital, demonstrating feats of perception that entertained crowds in his circus.
As the narrative unfolds, we learn about Imdad's intriguing past. Born in Kashmir in 1873, he fled home to join the circus at the age of 13. His quest for enlightenment led him to a mystical guru, The Great Yogi, portrayed by Richard Ayoade, who initially met Imdad's curiosity with skepticism. However, after acknowledging Imdad's determination, the Yogi took him under his wing and taught him meditation techniques that enhanced Imdad's abilities. Through rigorous practice, he perfected methods to perceive objects without sight.
Despite his talents, public disbelief surrounded Imdad's abilities, which were seen as mere tricks rather than genuine insights. Tragically, before doctors could further study him, Imdad passed away, leaving Dr. Chatterjee in awe of the possibilities that such use of meditation could offer to the blind and deaf. Chatterjee meticulously documented Imdad's teachings in a book, preserving his legacy.
Meanwhile, inspired by Imdad's life and teachings, Henry dedicates three years to mastering these meditative practices, allowing him to refine his gambling technique. He learns to read cards in mere seconds, turning his newfound skill into a considerable fortune, winning £30,000 in one blackjack session. However, the thrill of easy money fades as Henry realizes he’s not driven by wealth. Rebelliously, he discards his earnings from the balcony, leading to chaos in the streets below.
Counseled by the police to redirect his money towards legitimate charitable endeavors, Henry embarks on a journey across the globe. Under various disguises, he uses his skills to amass substantial funds, eventually founding a network of hospitals and orphanages, accumulating over £120 million in just a year—all tucked away in tax-free Switzerland.
Decades later, Henry passes away at 63 from a pulmonary embolism, a fate he foresaw. With a staggering fortune of £644 million, he leaves behind a legacy of 21 well-established children's hospitals and orphanages worldwide. His story is later chronicled by Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl, who wrote about Henry Sugar in 1976, capturing the life of a once selfish man transformed by the extraordinary and the mundane.
