Angrezi Medium

Angrezi Medium is a heartwarming and light-hearted comedy-drama film released in 2020, directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Maddock Films. The film features the late stalwart actor Irrfan Khan in the lead, paired with promising newcomer Radhika Madan and supported by a stellar cast including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepak Dobriyal, Dimple Kapadia, Ranvir Shorey, and Pankaj Tripathi.

The movie serves as a thematic sequel to the 2017 film Hindi Medium, though it narrates an entirely new story. Where the previous film focused primarily on the Indian Education System, Angrezi Medium shifts the focus onto familial bonds and the lengths a loving father would go to fulfill his daughter's dreams. It continues the discussion around the obsession of the Indian middle-class society with English as a status symbol, while adding the dilemma of parents dealing with the advancing and independent aspirations of their new-gen children.

Irrfan Khan portrays the character of Champak Bansal, a doting single father and a loyal brother who owns a sweetmeat shop in Rajasthan's Udaipur city. His only daughter, Tarika Bansal, played by Radhika Madan, aspires to study abroad in England. Champak, though slightly overwhelmed by the idea, is resolute to do anything to fulfill his daughter's dream, given his deep-set love for her, forming the emotional core of the film. The duo's father-daughter relationship is endearing, portraying the innocent, unspoken love they share, and how they sacrifice themselves for each other's happiness.

The addition of Kareena Kapoor Khan as a no-nonsense London cop lends an interesting twist in the narrative, while Dimple Kapadia’s character adds a unique British-Indian charm to the movie. The comedy quotient of the film is well handed by Deepak Dobriyal and Pankaj Tripathi, who bring about situational humor and comic relief that perfectly balance the emotional undercurrents.

The screenplay builds a congruous bridge connecting the heartland of India to the global setting of London, subtly displaying the cultural contrast and language barrier experienced by Champak and his daughter. The comic moments, layered characters, and emotional depth effortlessly lead the story forward, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The storyline underscores the societal pressure and complications surrounding something as seemingly simple as language, and how it inadvertently becomes a parameter of judgment and respect.

What sets Angrezi Medium apart is its simplicity and its authentic portrayal of everyday life in India. The realistic dialogues, believable characters, and Irrfan Khan's masterful performance make the film relatable and genuine. In addition to being a comedy film, it effectively touches upon serious aspects of life such as dreams, ambitions, sacrifices, parental love, and societal norms, making it more than just a movie for entertainment. It is an emotional journey of love, dreams, and sacrifices with several laughter-filled moments.

The film offers beautiful cinematography, capturing the essence of both Udaipur and London. The soundtrack composed by Sachin-Jigar deserves a special mention; it blends harmoniously with the mood of the film.

Angrezi Medium marks one of the last performances of Irrfan Khan, a versatile actor renowned for his acting prowess worldwide. His portrayal of Champak is absolutely commendable, and he gives a strong, nuanced performance. Newcomer Radhika Madan not only holds her own against the acting veteran but excels at portraying a confident, ambitious young woman with dreams far larger than her small town. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Dimple Kapadia, and the supporting cast also deliver compelling performances.

The film premiered in March 2020 and faced unexpected challenges due to the onslaught of the global pandemic. However, it gained popularity and positive reviews once released on OTT platforms.

To sum up, Angrezi Medium is a sweet, memorable film that leaves its audiences with a smile and few teary eyes, shining through with its strong emotional connect, honest storytelling, stupendous performances, and blissful humor. It softly reminds us of the importance of dreams, the power of determination, and the unconditional love and sacrifices of our parents. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy movies revolving around familial bonds and societal norms, laced with a generous dose of humor and warmth.