First Published On- https://myunwantedreviews.wordpress.com/2017/05/22/hindi-medium-a- subject-in-which-we-should-score-an-a/
My mother is a government school teacher. Once in a while, I drop her to her school. The other day I asked her, why do you think the number of kids going to government schools is constantly on a decline? Is the quality of education in government schools so bad? She said, it's not about dropping of education level, but about the parents' wish to send their kids to government schools, or any Hindi Medium school for that matter. They believe that government schools are not capable enough to prepare their kids for the real world.
Hindi Medium runs around same premises but it's not limited to that. It is a satire presented in most comic and simplest way possible. This is not just about a couple's struggle to get their child admitted to the school, but about the complete series of events, good or bad, they have to go through. Rampant corruption they have to face and voluntarily or involuntarily become a part of it.
This movie is about our obsession with the English language. Because talking in English in India does not just signifies the knowledge of a different language but, unfortunately, also a division of class from the mass. Hindi Medium is a social commentary on the elitist mentality of our society, where we evolved from the caste divide but get into the trap of class divide. A class where having money is not enough, where speaking Hindi is looked down upon, and where kitty parties are held on the basis of your kid's school.
The first half of the movie is kind of a situational comedy and considerably more interesting than the second one which feels like drowning in its own goodness. But it has the entry of immensely talented Deepak Dobriyal, who is sharing the screen with Irrfan after fourteen years since Maqbool. His portrayal of 'Shuddh Garib' Shyam is mind blowing. His effortless display of comedy, emotions, and pain in a shorter screen time makes him an excellent actor.
Irrfan Khan. Is there anything this man can't do? He is undoubtedly one of the most versatile actors present in Indian Cinema. His comic timing, dialogue delivery, screen presence, everything is a class apart. He puts his heart and soul into the character of Raj Batra, a responsible father, and a good husband.
Saba Qamar as Mita has done a really good job. Her portrayal of the character was very controlled. She has to look rich, feel rich, and act rich but at the same time doesn't have to look arrogant. She maintained an aura of a down to earth rich Vasant Vihar lady who is constantly trying to adjust in her new 'posh' locality.
There is one more acting credit which deserves to be given is of Tillotama Shome, who, by her brilliant acting make her powerful presence felt. She put life in a character which Indian audience generally fails to notice otherwise.
I would not say the movie has a brilliant screenplay but it definitely has some genuinely funny dialogues, which assure some hearty laughs in regular intervals. Even small characters have been given enough chance to make the audience laugh. Music composed by Sachin-Jigar is good, so is the background score by Amar Mohile. As for Saket Chaudhary, this one is his best movie after his previous two 'side effects' and is the one he will be remembered for in a long time.
So if not for direction, screenplay or music, this movie is a must watch for its superb performances by the lead as well as the supporting cast.
Hindi Medium is a garland woven with uneven beads but it looks and feels beautiful. It is an attempt, not so hard hitting though, but every bit worthy of praise for its genuine and simple nature. It is deserved to be watched by one and all.
At the end of it, the movie seems too good to be true, and a little too preachy at the end. But it talks about a subject in which we all need to score an A+.
