Chapter One, like every other chapter, begins with Thomas recounting a memory to Smita Shah. Each memory is meant to demonstrate how Thomas knew the answer to each, respective quiz show question. At the start of this memory, Thomas is in a movie theatre with his best friend, Salim. The two boys are watching a Hindi film starring Salim’s favorite actor, Armaan Ali, the “ultimate action hero” (19). Salim is obsessed with Ali and knows everything about him; Salimeven caught a glimpse of Ali in real life, while delivering tiffin boxes in Ghatkopar. Although there was a rumor that Ali was secretly gay, Salim can’t believe this is true because “he hates gays” (28). When Salim grows up, he tells Thomas, he wants to be an actor just like Armaan Ali. 

Most of this chapter takes place in the theatre, with Thomas narrating the events happening on screen. For the first half of the film, Thomas and Salim are the only patrons in the theatre. Halfway through the film, an older man comes in and sits directly next to Salim. Salim doesn’t think much about it because he’s too engrossed in the film, but Thomas notices that the old man’s leg is brushing against Salim’s leg.