The White Tiger (2021)
The picture is an insight into India’s two caste system, and a story of one ambitious man who ultimately forces through the barrier to become an entrepreneur. Based upon the novel of the same name by Arvind Adiga, and starring Adarsh Gourav in a breakthrough role, The White Tiger unflinchingly displays India’s servant/underclass and its stark poverty.
Told almost entirely in flash back, narrator and protagonist Balram Halwai composes a letter to the Chinese Premiere relating his life story comparing India’s underclass as roosters in a coop awaiting their fate, with no means or desire to better themselves. Balram has left his village to find employment by a wealthy Delhi family as a driver for the Americanized son and his wife. We see Balram’s seemingly unquestioning service to the family as his master, along with the indignities he suffers, before he makes a shocking decision to break out of his caste and to take control of his own destiny. His infectious smile and personality later change to a laser focused determination to achieve success. A “white tiger” is a metaphor for a rare once-in-a-generation talent.
The picture quickly grabs one’s interest, and stays engaging for its entire 125 minute run time. Gourav’s acting is flawless, and is supported by a first rate cast headed by Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra. Gourav has been nominated for Best Male lead in the Film Independent Spirit Award, and was placed on the BAFTA long list for Best Actor.
The filming takes place entirely in India, chiefly in Delhi. The dialogue is mostly in English, with occasional subtitled Hindi. The story and cinematography are so well done that it occasionally feels like a documentary. DP Paolo Carnera perfectly captures the sight and feel of contemporary India. The score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans effectively ranges from traditional Hindi music to contemporary hip-hop-- which provides a contrast of the upper class on one hand, to the starkness of the villagers on the other.
I have not read the novel, however after reading it’s synopsis the film appears to follow it pretty closely. In fact the screenplay is nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 93rd Academy Awards. It’s hard to imagine that an adapted screenplay could be better done than The White Tiger.
Doc’s rating: 9/10