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Plot summary

Selfie (2019) Plot Summary & Timeline

Selfie (2019) movie poster

Selfie is a 2019 comedy film directed by Tristan Aurouet and Vianney Lebasque, running 1 hour 48 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 769 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 7 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Selfie.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
7
themes explained
3
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Selfie (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m
Genre
Comedy
Original language
French
No spoilers

What Is Selfie About?

The premise of Selfie in 302 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a bustling Indian metropolis where smartphones beep louder than street vendors and social media feeds dictate the rhythm of daily life, the film paints a vivid portrait of a society glued to screens. The constant hum of notifications creates both comedy and claustrophobia, as characters from students to seasoned professionals wrestle with the invisible hand of technology that shapes their relationships, ambitions, and anxieties. The tone stays airy and witty, letting the absurdities of hyper‑connectivity shine through while hinting at deeper questions about how far we’ll let the digital world steer us.

At the heart of this landscape is Om Prakash Aggarwal, a diligent Motor Vehicle Inspector whose job places him at the crossroads of rules and rebellion. Beyond the uniform, he carries the fervor of a devoted fan, his life colored by the larger-than‑life personas he monitors. His modest world collides with the glamour of cinema, setting the stage for a subtle but compelling clash between personal devotion and professional duty.

Enter Vijay Kumar, a charismatic film star whose on‑screen heroics are matched only by the pressures building behind the scenes. As he prepares for an international venture and a demanding shoot, the need for something as ordinary as a driving licence becomes a surprisingly symbolic hurdle. His interactions with Om expose the tangled web of admiration, expectation, and bureaucratic nuance that defines modern fame in an age where every move is instantly broadcast.

Together, these characters navigate a reality where technology amplifies both admiration and misunderstanding. The film balances sharp satire with heartfelt moments, inviting viewers to laugh at the chaos while reflecting on the ways digital dependence can both connect and complicate lives. The story promises a lively exploration of personal identity, public perception, and the quiet power of everyday institutions—all set against the ever‑present glow of screens.

Full plot

What Happens in Selfie?

The complete story of Selfie, from the first scene to the last, in 769 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

Om Prakash Aggarwal, a dedicated Motor Vehicle Inspector in Bhopal, is portrayed as a devoted admirer of film star Vijay Kumar. Vijay is preparing to travel to the United States with his wife Naina so they can be present when their surrogate delivers the baby, a plan that puts the completion of his next film, Falak Tak, on hold as its budget has already overrun. The climactic shoot, still pending on an Indian Navy‑leased piece of land, becomes complicated when Vijay discovers his driving licence is missing just as clearance is required. The production team is furious at the impending delay, and the pressure to wrap up the shoot intensifies.

A clerical hiccup during a move between RTO offices prevents Vijay from applying for a duplicate licence, spawning a desperate workaround. A politician friend of Vijay arranges for Om to issue a licence illicitly, with the implicit understanding that Vijay will appear in person to confirm the arrangement when the time comes. In exchange, Om hopes to secure a credible proof of the arrangement by having Vijay attend the RTO for the required checks, though the arrangement hinges on secrecy.

Complicating matters, Vijay’s professional rival Suraj Diwan schemes to undermine him using occult methods to suppress competition. Although Vijay recognizes that visiting the RTO could expose his plan, he agrees to take the risk in the hope that a less conspicuous, unadvertised appearance might reduce scrutiny. As the plan unfolds, the RTO precinct becomes the scene of a media frenzy, with TV crews crowding the area. A local corporator, Vimla Tiwari, feeds misinformation to reporters, claiming Vijay has been driving without a licence. The ensuing news backlash damages Vijay’s reputation, while Om’s family grows increasingly worried about the blurred lines between truth and manipulation.

The tension escalates when Suraj’s fandom community launches a hit‑and‑run attack on Om, and a masked group pelts Om’s home with stones, injuring Om’s son. This sequence deepens Om’s belief that Vijay’s supporters are behind the violence, even as Vijay continues to deny direct involvement. Vijay is forced to postpone his US trip at the producer’s insistence, and a hospital dash to treat his ailing son further compounds the crisis.

In the emotional and legal fallout, Om and his wife Minty present a case to police, but Vijay avoids formal charges as the clues remain inconclusive. Protests outside Vijay’s residence become a public spectacle as Om and his family stage a Satyagraha, while media coverage and fan attention swell around the stand‑off. Vijay ultimately decides to participate in the learner’s test under Om’s supervision, and the live, televised setup is designed to demonstrate transparency. The practical test is briefly replaced by a direct question‑and‑answer session with Om, presenting a pivotal moment where Vijay must prove his knowledge and composure under pressure. He answers the difficult queries and passes the learner stage, even as Suraj’s complicity appears to be revealed through a recording by a fellow actor.

Meanwhile, Om’s son endures bullying from Vijay’s fervent fans at school, prompting Om to shield him by delaying school attendance until Vijay’s standing can be properly verified. Naina’s urgent surgery adds personal stakes to the timing, and a flight is arranged to reach the medical procedure once the test results are finalized. On the scheduled practical assessment day, Vijay navigates the required “H test” with ease, but Om vetoes the result by pointing out minor mistakes. The higher‑ups override Om’s judgement, and Vijay earns pass marks, though Om postpones the crucial road test until noon.

Noon arrives with news that the road test must be delayed by two days—coinciding with the day of Naina’s surgery. Facing this conflict, Vijay publicly declares that he will forfeit driving forever if the situation continues to disrupt his life; he even suggests retiring from both acting and driving to protect those around him. The escalating anger of his fans leads to a lynching attempt on Om, but Vijay intervenes, saving him and fleeing the scene to defuse the confrontation.

As the tensions ease, misunderstandings gradually unravel. Om reveals that Vijay’s licence had actually been placed inside a gift box that Vijay had discarded earlier at the RTO, clearing the air between them. Vijay then brings Om and his family to his home, where he scolds Suraj and Vimla for their mistakes and pressures them to acknowledge responsibility. A couple of days later, just before departing for the airport, Vijay speaks with the press about the reconciliation, confirming that he has finally received his driving licence. With the matter resolved, Vijay drives toward the airport, signaling a quiet, resolved close to a fraught chapter.

Timeline

Selfie Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “Licence crisis triggers US trip delay” to “Resolution and licence delivery”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.

  1. 1

    Licence crisis triggers US trip delay

    Om, a Motor Vehicle Inspector in Bhopal, is pressed to accelerate the licensing process so Vijay Kumar can wrap up filming. The driving licence goes missing due to a clerical error during a building shift, threatening the clearance needed for the next phase of production. With Vijay preparing to travel to the United States for his wife's surrogate delivery, the situation becomes urgent for the crew.

    When:Pre-production, Bhopal Where:Bhopal

  2. 2

    Illicit licence arranged by Om

    To salvage the schedule, Om agrees to issue a driving licence illicitly without Vijay taking a test. He demands that Vijay be summoned to the RTO in person as proof of the arrangement. This clandestine deal sets in motion a dangerous game of power and deception.

    Where:RTO, Bhopal

  3. 3

    Rival plots to undermine Vijay

    Suraj Diwan, Vijay's professional rival, plots to suppress his competition using occult means. He realises that an unadvertised RTO visit could reveal his own movements, so he tries to keep a low profile. The intrigue adds a menacing backdrop to Vijay's impending licence test.

    Where:Bhopal / RTO vicinity

  4. 4

    News leak and misinformation reaches public

    As Vijay arrives at the RTO, TV crews swarm the premises. Corporator Vimla Tiwari feeds a false story to a reporter alleging that Vijay has been driving without a licence. The sensational coverage spreads fast, damaging Vijay's image.

    When:Day of visit Where:RTO premises

  5. 5

    Vijay denounces Om; public backlash

    Vijay publicly scolds Om in front of his son and superiors, furious at the leak. Om retaliates by spinning the incident to the media, accusing Vijay of arrogance and skipping proper procedures. The actor's reputation begins to fracture as cameras roll.

    Where:RTO premises

  6. 6

    Hit-and-run attack targets Om

    Suraj's faction orchestrates a hit-and-run attack on Om's circle, and masked assailants stone Om's house. Om's son is injured in the attack, fueling his belief that Vijay's men were responsible. The line between fan devotion and violence blurs.

    Where:Om's home and city streets

  7. 7

    Vijay cancels the US trip; crisis escalates

    Reluctantly, Vijay cancels his journey to the United States at the producer's insistence. While rushing his own son to the hospital, he phones Om in a fit of anger, further entrenching the conflict. The burgeoning feud jeopardizes the film's future and intensifies media scrutiny.

    When:During hospital rush Where:Hospital route

  8. 8

    Police inquiry and accusations

    Police begin investigating the incident, and Om and his wife Minty publicly accuse Vijay of involvement. Vijay maintains that the case is inconclusive and is not charged. The blame game widens the rift between all parties.

    Where:Police station / Vijay's residence

  9. 9

    Satyagraha and the decision to test under Om

    Om and his family stage a Satyagraha outside Vijay's residence, drawing media and fan attention. Vijay declares that Om is a crazed stalker and presents fan messages as evidence. He agrees to attend the licence test under Om's supervision, promising a live, open process.

    When:Satyagraha day Where:Vijay's residence

  10. 10

    The learner's test and the confession

    A controlled test unfolds as Om asks difficult questions in a direct Q&A instead of a traditional exam. Vijay passes the learner's licence test but Suraj's involvement is exposed when a fellow actress records a confession. The public sees a dramatic showdown between idol and mentor.

    Where:RTO venue

  11. 11

    Practical test day, postponement, and a life-changing vow

    On the practical assessment day, Vijay passes the H-test but Om marks petty flaws and the decision is overruled. Om postpones the road test to noon, which coincides with Naina's surgery, prompting Vijay to vow to forfeit driving and retire if the life disruption continues. Enraged fans begin to lynch Om, and Vijay intervenes to save him.

    When:Noon (test day) Where:RTO / city streets

  12. 12

    Resolution and licence delivery

    Misunderstandings are resolved when Om reveals Vijay's licence was hidden in a gift box discarded at the RTO. Vijay brings Om and his family home to reconcile and publicly acknowledges the restored licence. A final press moment confirms the licence is in hand as Vijay drives to the airport.

    When:Two days later Where:Vijay's home and airport

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Selfie?

7 characters, among them Om Prakash Aggarwal, Vijay Kumar and Naina: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • OP

    Om Prakash Aggarwal

    A veteran Motor Vehicle Inspector in Bhopal who idolizes Vijay Kumar. He leverages behind-the-scenes access to push a driving license through illicitly, aiming to boost his own status. His zealous fixation spirals into moral gray areas, triggering a chain of consequences for himself and others.

    • 🎭 Obsession
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Bureaucratic manipulation
  • VK

    Vijay Kumar

    A celebrated film actor whose US trip to support a surrogate birth becomes central to the plot. He grapples with public scrutiny, personal commitments, and the pressure to follow or bend the rules. His decisions test his integrity and resilience under media glare.

    • 🎬 Celebrity
    • 🧭 Public pressure
  • N

    Naina

    Vijay’s wife, waiting with him for the surrogate delivery and facing a medical procedure herself. Her presence anchors the stakes of the story and adds emotional urgency to the decisions around the trip and test.

    • ❤️ Family
    • 🏥 Medical concern
  • SD

    Suraj Diwan

    Vijay’s professional rival who exploits occult schemes to suppress competition. He uses fan influence to destabilize Vijay, contributing to the film’s tension and drive for dominance.

    • 🏁 Rivalry
    • 🪄 Scheming
  • VT

    Vimla Tiwari

    A local corporator who spreads misinformation to the media, inflaming public opinion and complicating Vijay’s standing. Her actions illustrate how politics intersects with entertainment in the city.

    • 🏛️ Politics
    • 🗞️ Media manipulation
  • MA

    Minty Aggarwal

    Om Prakash’s wife who witnesses the fallout of the licensure controversy and supports her family through the upheaval. Her perspective reflects the personal cost of public scandal.

    • 👪 Family
    • 🧩 Personal cost
  • OS

    Om's Son

    The child of Om and Minty who endures bullying from Vijay’s fans and is involved in the broader emotional stakes of the conflict.

    • 👶 Family
    • 🛡️ Protection
Setting

Where and When Is Selfie Set?

Selfie is set in Bhopal and India. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Bhopal, India

Set in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, the story unfolds in a busy Indian city where governance, entertainment, and public scrutiny intersect. The plot navigates urban spaces like the RTO and public squares, reflecting a metropolis under constant observation. The backdrop emphasizes crowded streets, local politics, and the pressure of reputation on celebrities and officials alike.

  • 🏙️ Indian city
  • 🚦 Traffic hub
Themes

What Are the Themes of Selfie?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Fame & Media, Power & Ethics and Reconciliation & Responsibility.

  1. 01

    Fame & Media

    The film examines how fame invites intense public scrutiny and how media narratives can distort a star’s image. A devoted fanbase, rivalries, and media leaks collide with personal lives, pushing characters to bend rules and face consequences. The story reveals how quickly adoration can turn into backlash, shaping the actions of both fans and celebrities.

  2. 02

    Power & Ethics

    The plot centers on the abuse and manipulation of power by individuals who can bend rules to their advantage. Illicit licensing, political influence, and media pressure create a gray zone where right and wrong blur. Characters navigate competing loyalties as institutional authority is contested by personal agendas.

  3. 03

    Reconciliation & Responsibility

    Despite conflict, the narrative moves toward accountability and closure. A test of integrity leads to a public display of reconciliation, showing how humility and responsibility can repair reputations. The resolution suggests that genuine leadership involves balancing ambition with ethical conduct and care for others.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Selfie?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A satirical and chaotic comedy exploring modern digital anxieties through a farcical bureaucratic ordeal, blending social commentary with dramatic family pressures that lead to a surprisingly uplifting resolution.

  • satirical
  • chaotic
  • anxious
  • mischievous
  • dramatic
  • farce
  • technology dependence
  • public image
  • media manipulation
  • bureaucracy

Content notes: child illness, child endangerment, mob violence.

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6 films close to Selfie in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Selfie (2017) and Men, Women & Children (2014) lead.

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FAQ

Selfie Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Selfie, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Selfie about?

In a bustling Indian metropolis where smartphones beep louder than street vendors and social media feeds dictate the rhythm of daily life, the film paints a vivid portrait of a society glued to screens.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Selfie take place?

Selfie is set in Bhopal and India. Set in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, the story unfolds in a busy Indian city where governance, entertainment, and public scrutiny intersect.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Selfie?

The story follows Om Prakash Aggarwal, Vijay Kumar, Naina and Suraj Diwan; the character guide covers 7 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Selfie?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Fame & Media, Power & Ethics and Reconciliation & Responsibility.

The themes explained

Who directed Selfie?

Selfie (2019) was directed by Tristan Aurouet, Vianney Lebasque and Manu Payet and runs 1 hour 48 minutes.

Tristan Aurouet’s films

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