The white tiger
Netflix
*ing: Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra, Rajkummar Rao, Mahesh Manjrekar
Rated: 6/10
There is something about a subject on class friction that is intriguing and fascinating especially for those who are far removed from the actual reality. The White Tiger based on Aravind Adiga’s book by the same name is a movie that makes for a must watch for several reasons.
First, Ramin Bahrani, the director, takes us on a journey that is filled with a satirical commentary on the class divide that exits even today and the constant struggle between the upper class and lower. With the upper class wanting to dominate the other by keeping them under their thumb by forcing them to remain in poverty.
Second, the portrayal of this scenario is extremely realistic. People who have been under the thumb of zamindars, and they still continue to be so, don’t have a choice. The entire village is a slave to one master and strangely despite the subjugation, they continue to serve the master as feel it is an honour to be serving him so closely.
Third, despite the film starting of on a dark note and continues to be on a dark note till the very end, the story resonates with everyone— even those outside of India. The struggle by a poor man wanting to make it big in life is what almost all of us aspire.
Four, and the most important is the absolutely brilliant and awesome performance by Adarsh Gourav. This actor-singer as Balram Halwai, a slave to his master, who dreams of becoming something in life plays the part to a T. From a driver to the owner of a company, each part of his journey has been done to perfection. His fascination with things that he sees for the first time, is so natural. It is difficult to imagine anyone playing this role but Gourav. Watching him go from an unassuming personality as a driver to a entrepreneur who is comfortable in his skin is amazing to watch.
Definitely, Gourav is the white tiger here who roars brilliantly.