Destined to work his fingers to the bone on his family's tea stall, smart and ambitious Balram spots a golden opportunity to break free from the plight of his caste, and forge his path to financial success. Having perfected the subtle art of flattery, bright-eyed Balram learns how to drive, and then, lands a job as a chauffeur for wealthy, US-educated Ashok, his young new boss. However, in a world structured to keep Balram forever a have-not, where corruption, bribery, and betrayal go hand in hand, fulfilling his dream is easier said than done. Then, after a shocking but eye-opening incident, Balram's repressed anger blows up, and no one is safe anymore. In the end, what does it take to become a fierce white tiger?