Hindi Medium

Hindi Medium is an Indian comedy-drama movie released in 2017. This satirical film has raised awareness about the struggles and societal pressures facing middle-class families in India. With its unique blend of humor and thought-provoking commentary, the film offers insight into the issues of educational system and language bias in modern India.

The film stars some of India’s finest talents, such as incredibly gifted Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, remarkable Pakistani actress Saba Qamar. The equally charming young actor, Dishita Sehgal, also complimented the film with her admirable performance.

In the movie, Irrfan Khan dons the role of Raj Batra, a successful businessman running a flourishing fashion boutique in the bustling heart of Delhi's Chandni Chowk. He leads a content life with his beloved wife, Meeta Batra, played by Saba Qamar, and their young daughter Pia, portrayed by Dishita Sehgal. They live in a world where English is seen as a sign of sophistication and charm, while those who struggle with the language are often looked down upon.

The story takes an interesting turn when the Batras' aspiration for their daughter to study in an elite English-medium school is ignited. Though they come from a Hindi-speaking background, the couple battles societal pressures and tries to penetrate the snobbish bearing of Delhi's high-class society, which looks down on anything that isn't sophisticated or English counterparts.

Chasing this dream commences a hilarious yet meaningful journey for the Batra family, including feigning poverty to get their child admitted to a public school. They navigate many situations, including the stereotyping of English being a superior language over Hindi and the middle-class man’s fascination with and aspiration for high society.

The film subtly hints at how English has become more than just a language in India. It’s shown as a class divider and a symbol of status, power, and prestige. The places where English is not spoken are considered 'low-grade'. Therefore, the Batra couple's desperation to fit into this 'elite society' for the educational growth of their child showcases societal flaws.

Saba Qamar, in her Bollywood debut, delivered a powerful performance as Meeta, Raj's wife, who aspires to climb the social ladder and is unabashedly class-conscious. The young actor, Dishita Sehgal as Pia Batra, also added a significant contribution in lending substance to the plot.

The Director, Saket Chaudhary, captures the day-to-day life of middle-class Indians trying to keep up with societal standards, along with the pressures and biases of the private education system. The narrative is filled with humorous elements that make it entertaining, yet at the same time, it does not shy away from unveiling the harsh reality.

The essence of the film lies in its simplicity and relatability to common people who deal with such realities in everyday life. The appealing performances by the lead actors, tight script, engrossing screenplay, and situational humor make the film an enjoyable watch. The incredible dialogues range from being witty to heartfelt, filled with varying emotions of humor, love, and anguish.

Hindi Medium is not just another Bollywood movie. It sends out a profound message through its heart-touching presentation and narrative, exploring the lengths parents go to make their children's lives better. The film perfectly resonates with the idea that language or class should not be a barrier to good education.

Packed with splendid performances, simple yet effective storytelling, and a heart-rending message, Hindi Medium endeavors to initiate a conversation about the prevalent language and class bias in Indian society while also highlighting parents' aspirations and hardships for their children's future. This entertaining satire gives ample food for thought, which lingers in your mind long after the has movie ended.