The film begins at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where runner Milkha Singh is urged by his coach with the phrase “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!” (Run Milkha Run). This prompts Milkha to reflect on his traumatic childhood memories, which affect his performance, causing him to finish in fourth place. The story delves into the impact of the 1947 Partition of India, which led to severe violence in Punjab, resulting in the death of Milkha’s parents and shaping his challenging journey.