Via Netflix
Just like a global pandemic happens once in a generation, so does the birth of a White Tiger, a term also bestowed on a special person such as Balram (Adarsh Gourav), a smart and over-achieving boy growing up in the poorest part of India. In this adapted from a novel story, we learn about Balram's life adventures from end to beginning, providing a murder mystery format to a seemingly jovial journey turned dark.
Similarly to recent events with the stock market being overtaken by the poor in an effort to kill the rich, this movie is about the journey of a servant fighting his way into the world of the wealthy by any means necessary. Balram is raised to believe that being a servant to the richest people is the only way to be successful. After several tragic incidences along side his new, uber-rich masters, Ashok (Rajkummar Rao) and Pinky (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), Balram decides he’s destined to be more than a lower caste slave to the divisive, Inidan system.
This movie is reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire, but this take is not for the faint at heart. It’s filled with nail-biting moments, unanticipated violence, and takes you on a journey through all the stages of guilt and grief. However, just as soon as the content gets too heavy, the lively music and vibrant visuals breathe life and watchability back into the story which provides a much needed break before heading back into its heart-breaking, heady material.
You’ll enjoy this movie if you liked Slumdog Millionaire AND if you relax by watching unsolved murder mystery shows. If neither of those appeal to you, stay tuned, I’ll find something else for you to indulge in entirely.
I anticipate a few awards noms being awarded to the soundtrack, adapted screenplay, and potentially a SAG award for newcomer Gourav. This could, however, be a sleeper for cinematography and direction, but I think there are more likely contenders in those categories.
