Released: 22nd January 2021 (Netflix)
Length: 128 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Director: Ramin Bahrani
Starring: Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Rajkummar Rao, Mahesh Manjrekar and Vijay Maurya
While Indian productions are often put together under Bollywood, the setting itself is still ripe for exploration by other filmmakers. Much like Slumdog Millionaire and Parasite before it, The White Tiger is a rags-to-riches story that places major consequences on its characters. Based on the novel by Aravind Adiga, it offers an excellent tale that will engage any viewer.
At the turn of the 21st Century, India was looking to engage with the latest global business, but these opportunities were kept out of reach to many individuals. Balram (Adarsh Gourav) is one such person; looking to strike it rich, he journeys to Delhi and Bangalore, charming the Stork family into becoming their personal chauffeur. All the while he has to put up with their spiteful treatment. Balram plays along, always with an obeying smile; but soon he starts laying plans to break out of his metaphorical servant cage. Thanks to Balram’s stellar narration, you’re always highly engaged as he fills in the finer workings of his country; for both savoury and unsavoury deeds he tells his story with charisma. Yet beneath its exterior of clever manipulation and mild comedy lies some darker commentary on India’s class system. There’s a creeping animosity that continues to build between Balram and those he serves; around two thirds of the way in, The White Tiger shifts gears and adopts a more serious tone. The way the film constantly pushes forward while balancing its varying set pieces forms the core of its success.
Defined by their wealth and status, the characters of The White Tiger are all very well-portrayed. Each cast member is very distinctive thanks to their actions and the way they treat others over time. Balram is heavily self-motivated, wishing to take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way; but later in the film, he’s being pulled in two directions by both his masters and family. As this pressure builds, you can feel his own morals being corrupted as the narrative moves along and we question his goals as a result. The rich men he serves are mostly unaware of his motives, but they treat him very differently. Ashok (Rajkummar Rao) and his partner Pinky (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) are more level-headed, looking to treat Balram with more humility, but as pressures within the family rise, they find themselves facing gruelling obstacles. On the other hand, The Stork (Mahesh Manjrekar) and Mukesh (Vijay Maurya) are pretty merciless in their mistreatment, highlighting their seemingly endless arrogance. Every character is incredibly well-layered, though Balram’s poor family receives slightly less material to work with.
In keeping with its setting, The White Tiger also delivers a sublime window into Indian culture and society. Throughout its runtime, we see nearly every aspect of life there from the richest businessmen down to the most crushing squalor. It’s the little touches that really emphasises the detail; the way Balram has to pat down his mattress for dust and the way drivers loiter on the street corner for their bosses. While it’s often laser-focused on the leading characters, the camerawork is often carefully positioned; shots from inside an expensive car or looking upwards at the luxurious accommodation constantly put the divides on display. With its mixture of modern club music and more traditional Indian compositions, the soundtrack is a fine blend of musical motifs. On one side, you have the over-the-top glamour that comes with the protagonist’s rise and on the other, the wider setting is precisely grounded. It’s all so thoroughly absorbing without a hint of misplaced creative choices.
Thanks to its great pacing, contrasting characters and detailed representation, The White Tiger is the first hit of 2021. It does a brilliant job of drawing the audience into Balram’s story and chronicling a contemporary conflict while not being afraid to delve into more sinister elements. A highly recommended production from top to bottom.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)
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