This is the story about the resilience shown by the Indians when they were under the British Rule. They are already taxed to the bone by the British and their cronies, but when Jack Russell announces that he will double the Lagaan (tax) from all villagers, they decide to oppose it. Leading the villagers is a handsome young man named Bhuvan, who challenges them to a game of cricket, a game that is to be played by veteran British cricket players, versus villagers, including Bhuvan himself, who have never played this game before, and do not even know a bat from a piece of wood. As the challenge is accepted, the interest grows and attracts Indians from all over the region, as well as the British from all over the country - as everyone gathers to see the 'fair play' that the British will display against their counter-parts, who are aided by none other than the sister, Elizabeth, of Captain Rusell.

Circa 1920 British India, Pindari leader, Prithvi Singh, narrates his story to a Report from London Times about betrayal and deceit at the hands of the British and Madhavgarh's Raja Gyanendra Singh which led to the massacre of 4500 Pindaris. Although Prithvi sliced off Gyanendra's right arm, he has sworn to avenge and behead him and two-faced Britishers - who on one hand preach about Justice, Fraternity and Equality, but conquer and rule vulnerable natives - fueling hate and division on lines of religion, and caste. He sends his sons, Veer Pratap and Poonam, to Britain to learn about their devious ways, so that he can conquer Madhavgarh. The duo, despite of Lord Macaulay's malicious policy to convert foreign nationals to his way of thinking, not only pick up the relevant skills but also slay Yuvraj Sujan Singh, the only son of Gyanendra, much to the joy of the Pindaris. But Prithvi is in for a shock when he finds out that Veer has decided to wed Yashodhara...