It is a dystopian science-fiction black comedy, in which two men from Earth accidentally travel through space, meeting two aliens from the Kin-dza-dza star system and their post-apocalyptic world.

Vladimir Mashkov, aka Uncle Vova, a construction foreman, returns home to his apartment after a stressful day at work.

Standing right in the city centre on Kalinin Prospekt (now New Arbat Avenue), is a barefoot man, dressed in a tattered coat, who appeals to passersby with a strange request: "Tell me the number of your planet in the Tentura?

Uncle Vova and a young Georgian student with a violin (The Violinist) stop and talk to the strange man.

Suddenly, Uncle Vova and the Violinist find themselves transported to the planet "Pluke" in the "Kin-dza-dza" galaxy.

The society of Pluke is divided into two categories: "Chatlanians" and "Patsaks" ("пацак" is a backward spelling of "кацап", a derogatory term for Russians, or according to another opinion, from "пацан", "patsan" a young guy).

Outside being a Patsak or Chatlanin, respect towards others is determined by the color of their pants; different shades require those of lower social standing to "ku" at them a predetermined number of times, displaying their submission.

A good deal of the plot is based on the fact that ordinary wooden matchsticks ("ketse") are considered to be extremely valuable on Pluke.

Uncle Vova and the Violinist meet two locals, Uef and Bi, who at various points either help or abandon the Earthling duo in their quest to return to Earth, which at various times involves repairing Uef and Bi's ship or raiding P-Zh's private compound.

Suddenly, a passing tractor with a flashing, orange light reminds them of the "ecilopps", and they both reflexively squat and say, "ku!

[11] The animated version was based on the plot of the original film, but was targeted more towards children and international audiences.