The film tells the story of Milkha Singh, a young boy from a poor family in Govindpura, a small village in Punjab. Despite facing immense hardship and tragedy, including the Partition of India, which forced his family to flee to India, Milkha finds solace in running. He begins to train and eventually becomes a champion athlete, earning the nickname "The Flying Sikh." The film chronicles his journey from a young boy to a national hero, highlighting his triumphs and struggles.