Hindi Medium
2017 · Directed by Saket Chaudhary
Original language: Hindi
- comedy
- drama
The story
Mita and Raj Batra, an affluent couple from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, are grappling with getting their daughter admission into an English medium school. But there is one big problem. Their zubaan is Hindi, and the elitist snobs won’t let the Hindi speaking hoi-polloi fit in.
What it’s like
Bright, busy Delhi streets in saturated daylight, then warm, cluttered interiors of a Chandni Chowk sweet shop and a rented flat, lit with lamps and tube light rather than polish. The camera moves often and close, with handheld energy during the chaotic comic set pieces and a more composed, glossy frame once the family crosses into the pristine lawns and marble lobbies of the upscale school world. Music leans on bright Bollywood-pop cues and light percussion, with sudden quiet when a sincere moment lands. The vibe is warm, ironic and good-humoured, a satire that stays affectionate toward its characters, with comedy, a lot of heart and a sharp, observant edge about class. Pacing is brisk, with scenes that tumble from slapstick into tender family moments. The emotional arc follows a proud, over-performing father and mother slowly letting go of pretence and learning what their daughter actually needs. Intensity is mild: some slapstick and a few tense confrontations, with no violence beyond rough-and-tumble and little cruelty. It suits a lazy weekend, a comfort watch, or a group watch, and is for viewers who enjoy social comedy and gentle, funny drama about parenthood and status.
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