The film opens with a framing device that sets up the ultimate breakdown of law and order, but quickly rewinds to the British Raj. We see the Qureshi clan dominating the illegal train-looting trade under the guise of the legendary bandit Sultana Daku. When Shahid Khan (Jaideep Ahlawat) mimics Sultana to rob British trains, he triggers a clan war that leads to his exile from Wasseypur.

: Set against the backdrop of pre-Independence India, the story begins with Shahid Khan (Jaideep Ahlawat), who impersonates the legendary dacoit Sultana Daku to rob British trains.

Despite its modest budget and A-certificate, Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1 performed well at the box office.