Hindi Medium

Hindi Medium is an enjoyable and realistic tale which lands a tight slap on the face of a society which considers English as a parameter for judging people, where people are not taken seriously if they don't speak English well and they are made to feel inferior. The dialogues are hilarious and keep you entertained throughout. The plot gets a bit predictable towards the end and the film glorifies government schools, which are looked down upon in our society. A little preachy and over-dramatic towards the end, Hindi Medium strongly drives its point home.

My Rating : 3.5/5

First Published On- https://myunwantedreviews.wordpress.com/2017/05/22/hindi-medium-a- subject-in-which-we-should-score-an-a/

My mother is a government school teacher. Once in a while, I drop her to her school. The other day I asked her, why do you think the number of kids going to government schools is constantly on a decline? Is the quality of education in government schools so bad? She said, it's not about dropping of education level, but about the parents' wish to send their kids to government schools, or any Hindi Medium school for that matter. They believe that government schools are not capable enough to prepare their kids for the real world.

Hindi Medium runs around same premises but it's not limited to that. It is a satire presented in most comic and simplest way possible. This is not just about a couple's struggle to get their child admitted to the school, but about the complete series of events, good or bad, they have to go through. Rampant corruption they have to face and voluntarily or involuntarily become a part of it.

This movie is about our obsession with the English language. Because talking in English in India does not just signifies the knowledge of a different language but, unfortunately, also a division of class from the mass. Hindi Medium is a social commentary on the elitist mentality of our society, where we evolved from the caste divide but get into the trap of class divide. A class where having money is not enough, where speaking Hindi is looked down upon, and where kitty parties are held on the basis of your kid's school.

The first half of the movie is kind of a situational comedy and considerably more interesting than the second one which feels like drowning in its own goodness. But it has the entry of immensely talented Deepak Dobriyal, who is sharing the screen with Irrfan after fourteen years since Maqbool. His portrayal of 'Shuddh Garib' Shyam is mind blowing. His effortless display of comedy, emotions, and pain in a shorter screen time makes him an excellent actor.

Irrfan Khan. Is there anything this man can't do? He is undoubtedly one of the most versatile actors present in Indian Cinema. His comic timing, dialogue delivery, screen presence, everything is a class apart. He puts his heart and soul into the character of Raj Batra, a responsible father, and a good husband.

Saba Qamar as Mita has done a really good job. Her portrayal of the character was very controlled. She has to look rich, feel rich, and act rich but at the same time doesn't have to look arrogant. She maintained an aura of a down to earth rich Vasant Vihar lady who is constantly trying to adjust in her new 'posh' locality.

There is one more acting credit which deserves to be given is of Tillotama Shome, who, by her brilliant acting make her powerful presence felt. She put life in a character which Indian audience generally fails to notice otherwise.

I would not say the movie has a brilliant screenplay but it definitely has some genuinely funny dialogues, which assure some hearty laughs in regular intervals. Even small characters have been given enough chance to make the audience laugh. Music composed by Sachin-Jigar is good, so is the background score by Amar Mohile. As for Saket Chaudhary, this one is his best movie after his previous two 'side effects' and is the one he will be remembered for in a long time.

So if not for direction, screenplay or music, this movie is a must watch for its superb performances by the lead as well as the supporting cast.

Hindi Medium is a garland woven with uneven beads but it looks and feels beautiful. It is an attempt, not so hard hitting though, but every bit worthy of praise for its genuine and simple nature. It is deserved to be watched by one and all.

At the end of it, the movie seems too good to be true, and a little too preachy at the end. But it talks about a subject in which we all need to score an A+.

A movie made in India but every person around the world can relate himself/herself to the theme of this wonderful piece of work which is based on the fact that, we live in a world where your class/standard is determined by the language you speak (and not just language by the way) and this movie honestly portrays the challenges faced by those who are discarded from the main stream just on the basis of the language they speak. The best thing about this movie is that it perfectly delivers this important message without lacking anywhere in the entertainment front (filled with humor and brilliant acting). I am sure you will fall in love with this Raj & Mitthu (sorry "Honey") pair instantly. Irfan as the obedient and madly in love with his wife kind of husband and Saba Qamar as a demanding and dominating wife is such a fun to watch. This movie will revive your faith in Indian Cinema which has been damaged by many Indian Superstars who cash on their loyal fan followings for grand box office collection with nothing to offer in return (a descent and original piece of work is what we expect).

"Talent speaks the language of a genius, surprisingly it's not the languages we all speak."

Director, Saket Chaudhary, has served its audience a vital dosage of 'current education system' garnished with humour. The concept is apt to the present day admissions scenario in India and the increasing concern of parents towards education of their ward. The first half of the movie is hilarious and at the same time a reality checks to the people who are a part of the high class show-off battle. Whereas the second half concentrate on the goodness of those who are poverty stricken. This over-stretched sub plot diverts the focus of its audience.

Strength: The concept of the film, which might be a guiding lamp to those who are getting lost in the senseless race of self-conceit based on their English speaking skills. Comic timing.

Weakness: The film goes overboard when the contrast between high class society and poor class is brought into the plot.

What's GOOD- After a long time here comes a family film which will appeal to everyone.Director Saket Chaudhary's vision of showing a Hypocrite society does work .The story deals with how parents struggle to get their child in a English Medium School.India is suffering from a disease called 'ENGLISH'. It is more of a status symbol than a language.We live in a society where u will be mocked if you are not good in English.The message here is conveyed in a humorous way. The first half simply concentrates on humour.But the last 45 minutes of the movie is on a serious note & to be honest those 45 minutes are the best in a 2hr 30 minutes long film. Of the cast-IRRFAN & SABA QAMAR are brilliant.They are almost perfect as parents who want to send their daughter in a English Medium school. The Best thing in 'Hindi Medium' is the performance of DEEPAK DOBRIYAL. He is PERFECT.I cant even imagine anyone in that role.As a generous poor man, this performance of him was the best supporting performance of 2017. Rest of the cast in supporting role performed ably. The screenplay is very good & the direction by Saket Chaudhary is good.This attempt of Saket is better than his earlier work 'Shaadi ke side effects'.

What's Bad-Some scenes involving humour or emotions don't work .But the overall impact of film is very good. Overall-I think every Indian will relate with this film. I m going with 7/10 with one extra star for DEEPAK DOBRIYAL's performance which makes it 8/10.Its a SATISFYING & ENTERTAINING watch.