Synopsis:
The ambitious driver (Adarsh Gourav) of a rich Indian couple (Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao) uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and become an entrepreneur.
What do you do when your life is predetermined for you because of a societal system that can place you in poverty before you are born? It doesnāt matter how hard you work or what ideas you have, you’re stuck. Not only are you trapped at the bottom, but those higher on the hierarchy treat you as such. If are somehow able to climb the societal ladder, who will you become? Will you flourish into a better version of yourself or will you entrench yourself into the system that pinned you down?
Based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name by Aravind Adiga, The White TigerĀ is a jolt of culture and a stab of familiarity. The film is captivating, exhilarating, and unpredictable. Not only does it feature a character you can root for but you fully understand his plight as well as his motives. Taking place in India, we are engulfed in its culture and presented with a range of customs and traditions. The film is beautifully shot which pairs well with its reflective and confident narration. With its themes of corruption, betrayal, family, and perseverance itās highly entertaining and at times, disheartening. The story puts you in the shoes of a hardworking and honest yet naĆÆve young man that has entered a dishonest world that is unfamiliar to him. Only wanting to better himself and his family, the film puts us in a relatable situation that ultimately leads to a terrifying and life-changing decision. It forces us to question our own morals and to ponder how far would you go to get what you feel you deserve. Thereās crime, drama, some dark humor, and a clash between Eastern culture versus Western influence. I thoroughly enjoyed The White Tiger.Ā Its rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
When Balram can no longer accept the poor quality of life he is destined to live out due to the caste system, he decides to take control. With aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur, he then decides that he will become a driver for a rich family. Now, adapting to a cushier life of servitude rather than an impoverished one, he begins plotting and evolving into a different person. As he learns the ins and outs of this new world he has placed himself in, things get complicated when the vehicle he drives kills a child. The relationship he had built with the family he serves is now in jeopardy, as well as his job and maybe his life. Balram must now fully take matters into his own hands and save himself and take what heās learned and disappear.
The film moves at an exciting pace. Not only does it keep your attention with all of its cultural differences but you never know what is going to happen next.
Characters & Chemistry
The cast did an amazing job but none more than Adarsh Gourav. Gourav portrays our protagonist, Balram and he is an easy character to love. He’s smart, hardworking, and loyal. He has a level of drive and untapped potential that he is unaware of until that sense of fight or flight kicks in. Rajkummar Rao (Ashok) embodies the aforementioned clash and internal struggle of Eastern culture versus Western influence. Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Pinky Madam) embodies the Western influence. She is the antithesis of the traditional Eastern culture and it’s evident in a big way. The trio together makes for a whirlwind of drama and friction.
The White TigerĀ premieres on January 22nd on Netflix. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Ramin Bahrani
Writers: Aravind Adiga (Author), Ramin Bahrani
Producers: Ramin Bahrani, Mukul Deora
Executive Producers: Prem Akkaraju, Priyanka Chopra, Ava DuVernay, Ken Kamins
Rated: R
Runtime: 2h 5m
Rating: 4 out of 5