Upon release, the film received mainly negative reviews from critics who criticised the story, writing, Aamir Khan's acting and dialogues, but praised Chopra's direction.

[1] The wealthy Thakur Bhavani Singh lives in a remote region of India where he shares an intense rivalry with a local gypsy clan led by Gora Shankar.

Parampara (tradition) dictates that differences are resolved with a single bullet pistol duel at the top of a hill.

Bhavani's son Prithvi returns from London and strikes up a friendship with Shankar and his clanmates, much to the dismay of his father.

As Prithvi dies, he tells Shankar to take Ranvir far away from his father, hoping no more blood will be shed in petty rivalry.

At Prithvi's funeral, both Bhavani Singh and Gora Shankar draw their swords and challenge each other but are stopped by Rajeshwari.

Firstly rivals, the two become close friends but after Pratap recognises Gora Shankar at Ranvir's house, the two quickly realise that their past is linked but after years of being influenced by their respective guardians, they share a hatred of one another's families.

Pratap, echoing the words of his father years ago, states that the duel should be fought among equals and with that the challenge is set.

After the funeral, Ranvir and Pratap are about to head their separate ways but stop to embrace each other as brothers for the first time.