In 1857, India was ruled by the British East India Company. Mangal Pandey (Aamir Khan) is a sepoy, in the army of the East India Company. While fighting in the Anglo-Afghan Wars he saves the life of his British commanding officer, William Gordon (Toby Stephens). Gordon is indebted to Pandey and a strong friendship develops between them. A new rifle, the Enfield rifled musket is introduced to the...

In 1857, India was ruled by the British East India Company. Mangal Pandey (Aamir Khan) is a sepoy, in the army of the East India Company. While fighting in the Anglo-Afghan Wars he saves the life of his British commanding officer, William Gordon (Toby Stephens). Gordon is indebted to Pandey and a strong friendship develops between them. A new rifle, the Enfield rifled musket is introduced to the Sepoys. Soon rumors began to spread among the sepoys that the cartridges are greased with either pig fat or beef tallow. The soldiers are supposed to bite open the cartridge. Both Hindu and Muslim soldiers are not ready to use it. As told to Gordon, he assures Pandey that the cartridges are free from pollution. Demonstrating his total trust in Gordon, Mangal bites the cartridge. Pandey soon discovers that the cartridges really are greased by animal fat. Revolt breaks out, led by Pandey.