Mangal Pandey: The Rising is a historical biographical war drama. The film is based on the life of an Indian soldier, Mangal Pandey (played by Aamir Khan), who is known to spark the Indian rebellion of 1857 or the First War of Indian Independence. Mangal Pandey saved the life of Captain William Gordon while serving as a sepoy in Afghanistan. The incident starts an unlikely friendship between the two. However, East India Company introduces a new rifle, and the rumours begin that the cartridge is greased with the pig fat and beef tallow, which disgusts both Hindus and Muslims because of their religious beliefs. Discovering the truth, Mangal Pandey ends his friendship with Gordon and becomes one of the first rebels to start the revolt against East India Company.