Jivan is a young Muslim woman living in a slum who works at a store selling Western goods. She works tirelessly to incrementally improve her circumstances and volunteers to teach English in her community. After leaving a frustrated comment online criticizing the police response to a recent terrorist attack, authorities suddenly arrest her. She attempts to maintain hope while navigating the harsh realities of the prison system.

Lovely is a transgender woman, known as a hijra, who dreams of becoming a professional film actress. She lives in a small room with her boyfriend and faces constant societal prejudice with remarkable grace. She studies the behavior of strangers on trains and in markets to improve her performances, believing heavily in the value of lived experience over formal education.

PT Sir is a physical education teacher at an all-girls school. He feels entirely invisible and unappreciated by his students and colleagues. Seeking a sense of purpose and recognition, he attends a political rally for the Jana Kalyan Party, an event that quickly awakens long-dormant ambitions for status and influence.

Jivan's mother is a resilient woman who runs a small breakfast business out of her home. She struggles constantly to keep her family financially afloat and cares for her disabled husband. She attempts to hide her deep despair during prison visits to protect her daughter from further emotional pain.

Jivan's father suffers from severe back pain caused by police brutality during a slum demolition years ago. His debilitating slipped disc prevents him from working, leaving him reliant on his wife and daughter for physical and financial support.

Azad is a marketplace vendor who maintains a dedicated relationship with Lovely. He faces intense pressure from his family to abandon Lovely, marry a cisgender woman, and produce children to secure the family's honor.

Gobind is a court-appointed lawyer burdened with an overwhelming caseload. He relies heavily on a spiritual guru and protective crystals to manage his extreme workplace stress as he attempts to build a defense for his high-profile client.

Purnendu is a journalist looking for a career-making scoop on the high-profile terrorism case. He visits the prison under the false pretense of being Jivan's brother to record exclusive interviews about her life.

Mr. Debnath is an acting coach who charges his students very little for lessons. He recognizes natural talent in his classes and works to write a film script to showcase his best students.

Bimala Pal is a charismatic leader in the Jana Kalyan Party. She recruits ambitious citizens to perform favors for the political organization, rewarding loyalty with influence, free meals, and steady promotions.

PT Sir's wife is a pragmatic woman who views politicians with deep skepticism. She frequently warns her husband about the dangers of associating with corrupt political figures who sell pipe dreams.

Americandi is an inmate who understands the unspoken rules of the prison system. She brokers deals with the warden and manages communications for her fellow prisoners to make life slightly more bearable.

Uma Madam is the warden at the prison facility where Jivan is held. She enforces state rules but occasionally turns a blind eye in exchange for small, carefully arranged bribes.

Brijesh is an aspiring actor who initially hesitates to perform romantic scenes alongside a hijra. He struggles with poverty and feels deeply alienated by modern, expensive establishments that refuse him entry.

Mr. Jhunjhunwala is a film casting agent. He charges actors fees for his services but holds valuable connections to major directors in the fiercely competitive film industry.

Ragini is a late friend from a hijra colony. She passed away after undergoing a dangerous, clandestine surgery without anesthesia, leaving a lasting impact on her community.