I condemn hypocrisy in all its forms - މުނާފިގުކަމުގެ ހުރިހާ ސިފައެއް އަހަރެން ކުށްވެރިކުރަމެވެ

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

MOVIE REVIEW: “The White Tiger” (2021, my rating: 5 of 5 stars)


This is one of the few adaptations of a book into a film that I really liked. It won Best Adapted Screenplay at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards among other accolades.

Based on Indian writer and journalist Aravind Adiga's 2008 Man Booker Prize winning novel of the same name, it is a dark and satirical look at the stark social and economic divides in India. 

Here are some notable aspects:   

Balram's Unreliable Narration: The story is told through the voice of Balram Halwai, a poor villager who rises to become a successful entrepreneur. His cynical and often brutal commentary on the Indian caste system and the lives of the wealthy provides a unique and unsettling perspective.   

Social Commentary: The film doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of poverty, corruption, and the exploitation of the poor by the rich. It explores themes of class struggle, ambition, and the lengths people will go to for survival.   

Moral Ambiguity: Balram's journey is not a straightforward hero's tale. His actions, while driven by a desire to escape poverty, are often morally questionable and even violent. This ambiguity makes him a complex and fascinating character.   

Dark Humor: The film is infused with a dark and cynical sense of humor, which helps to offset the grim realities it portrays. Balram's witty observations and the absurdity of some situations provide moments of dark comedy.

Performances: The performances, particularly by Adarsh Gourav as Balram, are strong and captivating. Gourav delivers a nuanced and compelling portrayal of a character who is both sympathetic and disturbing.   

"The White Tiger" is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that offers a scathing critique of Indian society. It is a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.

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