The film is set in Kabul, Afghanistan, in the 1970s. Amir (played by Zac Efron), the privileged son of a wealthy and influential father, Baba (played by Ali Fahed), is a shy and introverted boy who struggles to come to terms with his own identity. During a kite-flying competition, Amir witnesses a horrific event: his friend Hassan (played by Asa Butterfield), the son of their loyal servant Ali (played by Rohan Chand), is brutally assaulted by a group of local boys.