During March 1993, after his Ambassador car is being fished out of water, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Agnel Wilson, narrates to the Commissioner as to how he commenced his investigation against an underworld gangster, Sultan Mirza. He details how Sultan had survived floods in Madras, shortly after Independence; his arrival in Bombay; and his employment which earned him a mere 25 Paisa daily. Agnel's attempts to rein in Sultan fail, but he keeps tabs on him and his romance with Bollywood actress, Rehana; as well as his new recruit, Shoaib, the son of Sub-Inspector Khan. Agnel will find his investigation slipping out of his hands after Sultan temporarily delegates complete responsibility to Shoaib.

Aamir Ali lives a middle-classed lifestyle in Mumbai along with his dad, Rashid; mom, Taranum; three sisters: Nargis, Shabana, and Falak; and a brother, Jameel. After his dad passes away, Aamir re-locates to Britain, studies, obtains a medical degree, and returns home. Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, he is hassled by the Customs Officer and his baggage is searched several times. Finally, he is permitted to leave. Outside the airport he is approached by two men on a motorbike, and one of them hands him a cellphone. Aamir accepts the cellphone and thus begins his nightmare that will propel him all the way to Dongri, then to Bhendi Bazar, where he will be given a red suitcase containing cash. He will be told that he must deliver this suitcase at another location within a specified time or else his family will all be killed. Aamir agrees to do so but before he could even arrive at the location...