Based on the 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name, Netflix’s The White Tiger is a critical power-house, directed and adapted for the screen by Ramin Bahrani. It tells the ferocious story of Balram Halwai, an endearing anti-hero who battles his way from poor, rural India to the top of the perpetual food-chain. Bahrani’s ambitious drama entrusts an energetic and thorough exploration of modern slavery, which rises gracefully from its literary roots to a composition of dynamic artistry in its own right.
The White Tiger tackles its socio-political focus with zeal and aggression, sparing no chances to thaw its audience down to their sentimental core. Contrary to comedic respite, the tone of the piece is overtly wince-worthy, continuing the book’s same avoidance of sentimentality within its discourse. Unlike other film explorations of Indian poverty such as Slumdog Millionaire, The White Tiger substitutes feel-good romanticism with gritty realism, seeking to create an emotional connection that surpasses the ease of cinematic catharsis. This unconventional approach is what makes each hit to the protagonist so intensely brutal, where the integral cruelty of Balram’s servitude is often excruciating to watch. Through pushing the boundaries of its corruptive subject matter well past comfortable viewing limits, Bahrani is able to create an engrossing cinematic environment; one which keeps its audience rooting to the very last second for any morsel of justice.
The film’s engrossing capacity is only in part a reflection of its impressive execution, with its demonstrable calibre a testament to its protagonist, Adarsh Gourav. It is no surprise that Gourav has already secured a ‘Best Male Lead’ nomination at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards, giving a believably tender performance as aspiring entrepreneur Balram Halwai. There is a virtue to his portrayal that transcends mere entertainment and comes into being, where the poignance of Balram’s story is able to remain long after another lockdown Saturday night of binging Netflix.
Effecting and poetic, The White Tiger is a worthwhile watch. Its fun soundtrack and pleasing style make it ideal for a mass audience, though not such an easy watch that it could be deemed conspicuously palatable. Finally - the formulaic underdog excursion is refreshed once more, bringing a welcomed serving of indulgent satire to the VOD table.
The White Tiger is available to stream now on NETFLIX UK.
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