Wajid Ali Shah is the 11th and last crown king of Oudh, Lucknow. For long, the British did not annex parts of Lucknow and utilized it as a buffer state between their teritories in the South, East, and the Mughal empire in the North, besides appropriating the cost of maintaining the Bengal Army from Awadh's coffers. The British, with the intent of controlling India, send General Outram on a secret mission to clear the way for an annexation. While pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political manoeuvres, Wajid Ali Shah, secluded in his palace, composes poems and listens to music. The court is of no help, as exemplified by two indolent and eccentric nobles, Mir and Mirza who, ignoring the situation in the country and their duties towards their families, spend their days playing endless rounds of chess. The imminent threat of the British takeover of their region becomes a harsh reality. Even when they are forced to leave their comfortable homes, they continue to play chess in the mosquito ridden outdoors, with two loaded pistols, ready to oppose the British, or even themselves, if need be.