The film tells the story of Azat, a participant in the first mass patriotic demonstrations in the USSR, who was imprisoned and subjected to abuse by investigators and prison guards. Azat’s prototype was Qayrat Rysqulbekov.

Events in the "Businessmen" unfold in the era of the 90's, when the country is experiencing an economic crisis. Heroes of the film are among the first who stood at the origins of market relations in Kazakhstan.