Reading through the reviews, one can easily notice which are written by Indian viewers and which aren't. This is indicative of the rating, the critical approach and the overall evaluation, so it came as a surprise that some of the best/ worst ratings came from Indians. Being neither Indian, nor westerner, but from a country which has next to nothing to do with the Indian culture and ways of life, I always look for movies which could help me advance in understanding such a different country. In spite of the numerous scenes depicting Indian life realistically, on the whole the film gives somehow the sensation of superficiality, just like a tourist who spends two weeks traveling around monasteries and other places of worship and returns home with the firm belief that they fully grasped Indian philosophy and they are better for it.
I chose to consider this film as a bitter satire of how to advance in the world when one comes from an underprivileged environment- cast or no cast system: either by crime, which doesn't have to be literally murder, but sometimes it is, or by way of politics. And, guess what, it appears to be so in most cases, irrespective of country or culture.
This message could have been conveyed in less viewing time, definitely. There are moments which fail to convince- for instance the mighty Stork taking a train- albeit in first class. So does the sudden transformation from an enlightened upper class guy with studies in the States to a vulgar, classical mobster of the younger brother. Also, the sudden burst of violence of the protagonist, otherwise a leacherous character who tries to break the cast walls through smooth talking and absolute obedience.
In spite of all of the above, White Tiger is worth watching for the numerous moments that bring one closer to a different world and for the performances of Ardash Gourav and Priyanka Chopra.
Review of The White Tiger
