THE WHITE TIGER – “Quite the bitingly entertaining journey”
RATING
DIRECTOR
Ramin Bahrani (99 Homes – 2015)
STARRING
- Adarsh Gourav as Balram Halwai
- Priyanka Chopra as Pinky Madam
- Rajkummar Rao as Ashok
- Nalneesh Neel as Vitiligo Lips
SYNOPSIS
Is adapted from Aravind Adiga's 2008 novel of the same name.
Cunning and ambitious, Balram jockeys his way into becoming a driver for Ashok and Pinky, who have just returned from America. But after a night of betrayal, he realizes the corrupt lengths they will go to trap him and save themselves. On the verge of losing everything, Balram rebels against a rigged and unequal system to rise up and become a new kind of master.
REVIEW SUMMARY
With The White Tiger, Ramin Bahrani has crafted quite the bitingly entertaining journey. The movie majorly benefits from its frenetic energy, underscored by a sublime hip-hop/pop soundtrack. Luckily, that energy never ceases, as we follow our hero, Barlam, from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs. Actor Adash Gourav is a revelation in the role, putting forth a multi-layered performance full of naiveté, transformation, and internal torment. And, of course, with its heavy “haves vs have not” theme, the movie has a lot to say. Bahrani gives a real identity to everyone (and everything) here, making for a plethora of hard-hitting life lessons amidst all the social commentaries around oppression. Admittedly, however, the film overstays its welcome by the end, and could have benefited from at least a 10-15 minute trimming. But, regardless of some feet-dragging at the finish line, you should definitely not be afraid to let this White Tiger into your home!
BOX OFFICE TOP 5
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$3.3 million