The White Tiger (2021) – Cast, Budget, IMDb Ratings – A Gritty Social Commentary
Introduction
The White Tiger, directed by Ramin Bahrani, is a powerful adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s Booker Prize-winning novel. This gripping drama delves into the life of a poor Indian driver, Balram Halwai, who rises to success through sheer wit and ruthless determination. Featuring standout performances by Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Rajkummar Rao, The White Tiger is a stark and thought-provoking critique of India’s class system and the struggles of the underprivileged.
Key Details of The White Tiger
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The White Tiger |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Director | Ramin Bahrani |
| Producers | Mukul Deora, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ava DuVernay |
| Writers | Ramin Bahrani, Aravind Adiga (Book) |
| Music Composer | Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans |
| Cinematography | Paolo Carnera |
| Runtime | 125 minutes |
| Budget | $10 Million |
| Box Office Collection | $28.3 Million (Commercial Success) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.7/10 |
Main Cast and Characters
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Adarsh Gourav | Balram Halwai (The White Tiger) |
| Priyanka Chopra Jonas | Pinky (Ashok’s wife) |
| Rajkummar Rao | Ashok Sharma (Pinky’s husband) |
| Mahesh Manjrekar | Balram’s Grandfather |
| Pankaj Tripathi | Rajkumar (Political bigwig) |
Plot Summary
The White Tiger follows Balram Halwai, a poor village boy from Laxmangarh, who transforms himself into a successful entrepreneur by breaking free from the cycle of poverty. As the driver for a wealthy landlord’s family in Delhi, Balram experiences the stark contrast between India’s rich and poor, leading him to navigate a world of deception, corruption, and power.
Throughout his journey, Balram’s wit and intelligence shine, but it comes at a cost. Driven by ambition and a desire for freedom, Balram’s moral boundaries blur as he takes ruthless steps to change his fate, marking his transformation into a self-styled “white tiger”—a rare and fierce creature that represents rebellion against the oppressive system.
Memorable Aspects of The White Tiger
- Searing Social Commentary: The film provides a raw look at the disparity between India’s rich and poor, with a focus on exploitation, servitude, and the hunger for upward mobility.
- Brilliant Performances: Adarsh Gourav’s portrayal of Balram Halwai stands out, delivering a nuanced and emotionally charged performance.
- Visual Storytelling: The cinematography captures the contrast between rural India and urban opulence with stark visual contrasts, highlighting the film’s theme of social division.
- Political and Economic Themes: It critiques political corruption and the deep-rooted inequalities that plague modern India.
Box Office and Legacy
The White Tiger was a critical success globally, earning praise for its bold narrative, direction, and performances. It performed well at the box office, both domestically and internationally, making it one of the standout films of 2021.
Conclusion
The White Tiger is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that exposes the harsh realities of India’s class system. With an exceptional lead performance and impactful storytelling, it delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for freedom, making it a must-watch for its compelling narrative and social relevance.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
