In the jazz-infused atmosphere of 1920s Chicago, Roxie Hart, a housewife with dreams of stardom, finds herself in a dire situation after a fatal encounter with her lover. Desperate for fame and freedom, she manipulates the tragedy, turning her life into a sensational headline, much to the chagrin of Velma Kelly, a nightclub sensation and double-murderess. Velma, who is also vying for the spotlight, sees Roxie as a rival. Both women seek the help of Billy Flynn, a suave, manipulative lawyer known for turning notorious criminals into celebrities. Flynn takes on Roxie’s case, thrusting her into a whirlwind of media frenzy and public scrutiny, further inflaming the rivalry between the two women.

As the city gets swept up in the drama, Roxie and Velma navigate the corrupt landscape of the criminal justice system, where fame and infamy are interchangeable, and the truth is irrelevant. Their pursuit of recognition is a desperate fight for the spotlight, underscoring the theme of celebrity criminality. The competition between Roxie and Velma intensifies as they both vie for the public's affection, utilizing their trials as stages for their ultimate performances. Through dazzling musical numbers and sharp wit, the film critiques the American justice system and the media's role in shaping public perception, all while exploring the dangerous allure of fame and the lengths to which people will go to attain it.