The White Tiger

The White Tiger, a 2021 drama film based on the New York Times bestseller and 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name by Aravind Adiga, offers a gripping, thought-provoking, and thrilling exploration of class struggle and social mobility.

The movie is set in the starkly contrasted landscapes of dazzling, bustling urban areas and the desperate poverty of rural India, ground zero of the country's ingrained caste system. The story starts with an ambitious young man named Balram Halwai, played exceptionally by Adarsh Gourav. Gourav leads the cast with a powerful performance that carries the film's moral dilemmas and emotional weight.

Born into a poor, rural, lower-caste family in the north Indian state of Bihar, Balram achieves a semblance of victory by securing work as a driver for a wealthy family. His employers include the family's self-indulgent adult son, Ashok (played by Rajkummar Rao), and his modern, US-educated wife, Pinky Madam (played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas). Balram strives to satisfy them at any cost to retain his job and better his lot in life. However, he soon discovers the oppressive weight of the system and the harsh realities associated with serving these callous masters.

Ashok and Pinky Madam represent the new India; educated abroad they deceptively exhibit certain progressive ideas but are still tethered to India's deep-rooted class and caste prejudices. Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are brilliant in conveying the complexity of their characters—urban, wealthy Indians struggling with inherited biases and the guilt that comes with privilege.

The narrative structure of the film operates with Balram’s compelling voiceover that guides us through his ascent from chauffeur to successful entrepreneur. Cinematography plays a significant role in the film, cleverly capturing the vast disparateness in the lives of the callous rich and the exploited poor.

The movie does not shy away from posing poignant questions about morality and drawing attention to the societal injustices perpetuated by a system that keeps the rich richer and the poor poorer. The White Tiger is an examination of social dynamics through the lens of one man's relentless quest for dignity and financial independence.

While presenting an unflinching view of India’s class struggle, the movie also cleverly employs dark humour as a device to explore the abject absurdity of the socio-economic disparities. In this regard, the film adheres to the spirit of the source material, which tackles the graveness of the subject matter while punctuating the narrative with moments of irony and satire.

Balram’s transformation throughout the movie is entirely captivating, depicted in the context of his constant negotiation with his idealism, reality, and survivalism. Gourav's standout performance generates sympathy for Balram while driving home the hard facts of ruthless ambition and the human cost attached to upward mobility in a strictly hierarchical society.

In addition to the stellar performances and excellent storytelling, The White Tiger benefits from sprinkle references to politics and popular culture, fostering a layered narrative that enhances the viewing experience. Director Ramin Bahrani does a commendable job in adapting the awarded novel into a gritty and compelling movie, capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary India amid the global churning around issues of class, race, and social justice.

Thus, The White Tiger works as a social commentary, crime thriller, and an unorthodox rags-to-riches story, all while maintaining a vicious humor and a sly wit. It's an intense movie that does not simply entertain but also forces viewers to question and reflect upon the mundane atrocities and injustice conveniently ignored or normalized in societies worldwide.

In conclusion, The White Tiger distinguishes itself by straying clear of clichéd Indian exotica and instead presenting a deeply impactful portrait of modern India, marred by the harsh realities of socio-economic disparities. The movie serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of its source material while adding its unique flavor. It's compelling, thought-provoking, and delivers a cinematic experience worth watching.