MOVIE REVIEW OF 'THE WHITE TIGER'

 

The White Tiger is an adaptation of Aravind Adiga's novel 'The White Tiger' published in 2008. In this movie, we can see caste politics and the rich poor divide which is still prevailing in India from a long time. This movie shows that after all these years of independence, the mighty one's are still ruling. The movie shows that only way for the poor to survive is through crime and politics. Abject poverty and high society lifestyle, both can be seen here. There is a division between haves and have- not's.

              The character Balram Halwai studied a little during his childhood. He knew how to speak Hindi and his dream is to become the driver of Ashok. Ashok is the younger son of Zamindar who studied in America and has just returned. He is married to Pinky, an Indian girl, born and bought up in America. The elder son of Zamindar treats Balram like an animal (as he was of lower caste) but Ashok and Pinky treat him kindly. Once, Pinky was drunk and was driving when she ran the car over a child on road. But the blame had to be taken by Balram forcefully. Balram's inability to say NO further propels him to break the invisible chains around him. Ashok is shown doing too many deals against his wishes.

            We can see in the movie that Ashok's father and brother travel in the sleeper compartment on a train which no rich people will ever do so. The common man, the drivers, the relatives are shown speaking in English among themselves ( In practical world, the villagers are not able to speak Hindi properly due to their mother tongue influence then how can they speak in English?)

       Pinky, a modern girl, is not used to the patriarchal ways of her in-laws and rebels against them openly without any hesitation. This is when Ashok and Pinky decide to leave village and live in Delhi. Ashok is also caught between the two extremes and is unable to decide where he belongs. His character is shown helpless. At last, Balram murders Ashok and starts his own company (as he always dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur). This movie is made keeping in mind the Western audience which reinforces the stereotype of India being a poor, third world country and a land of snake charmers.

(TO WATCH THE TRAILER, CLICK ON THE LINK GIVEN IN THE FIRST LINE IN THE WORDS WHITE TIGER WRITTEN IN BLUE)