The White Tiger, though not perfect, it’s a good movie with flawless performances.

Starring Priyanka Chopra, Rajkummar Rao and Adarsh Gourav; director Ramin Bahrani’s crime/drama tells the story of a poor Indian driver named Balram. Particularly his use of wit and cunning to break free from servitude to his rich masters.

I found several things to enjoy about The White Tiger. From the generally well-paced, compelling story, to its commentary on India’s socio-economic ills, and the broken systems that maintain them. It was interesting to see the different paths the characters of The White Tiger took to survive. And where possible, drastically change their fate within said system. No wonder then, that none of the people in the story are angels.

Another thing to appreciate is how none of the main female characters in The White Tiger are stereotypically ‘helpless.’

After seeing the trailer several weeks earlier, I’d been looking forward to a story of epic proportions. I can now say that epic is not too far from the truth. However, there are things I wish were different about director Bahrani’s movie. For example, the way the story seemed to slow down at approximately three-quarters of the way. Secondly, the ending felt a tad abrupt and not as thoroughly satisfying. I was therefore left wanting, and reminded that the start of the movie was also awkward.

I’ve never read Aravind Adiga’s  bestselling book that inspired this movie. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that everyone who has read the book loves it more than the film.

Watch The White Tiger because it is a good story overall.

Happy Film Loving

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