English Vinglish Review

'English Vinglish' is a Hindi feature film which releases tomorrow i.e. on 5th October, 2012. It has been produced under the banner of Eros International and Hope Productions and has been directed by Gauri Shinde (wife of famous director R. Balki). It belongs to social/issue based genre and Sridevi has played the lead role in it.

Story : It is a delightful story of Shashi Godbole (Sridevi) and who lives in Mumbai with her family and kids. She is a housewife. Even though as a housewife she does all her work perfectly, her family, especially her husband usually criticizes her because she didn't know English.

She has a niece who understands her problem and pain and suggests that the only way to get rid of such embarrassment was to learn English. If she would learn English, she would get the respect from her family she was longing for. Finally she is convinced by the idea of learning English and she joins a coaching class to learn English.

The institute where she joins to learn English has unique teachers. They teach their students to break long sentences and words into parts and learn them. So to learn 'Manhattan' students are asked to break it into 2 parts such as 'Man' & 'Hattan'. Similarly to learn 'judgmental', they are told to break it as 'judge' & 'mental'.

Is she able to learn English? What does she do after learning English? What happens when her family comes to know that she had learnt English? Such queries are answered in the remaining part of the film.

Performance : Sridevi is superb! She has played her role so convincingly that after watching her, you would never imagine any other actress fit into that role. She has completely stolen the show. Even though she has not come in a glamorous role, she mesmerizes the audience with her powerful performance. Adil Hussain has played the role of her husband. He too has justified his role. He was a good selection for it. Mehdi Nebbou is a French actor whose French accent is adorable. His performance is quite impressive. Amitabh Bachchan has appeared in a short but comical role. He will surprise you. In fact he is outstanding! Sulbha Deshpande in the role of mother in law of Sridevi is also okay. Navika Kotia in the role of Sridevi's daughter is also good. However Shivansh Kotia has performed extremely well in the role of her son.

Script : The script of the film is good and written well by Gauri Shinde. The issue raised in it is good and presented in comical way which you find delightful to watch.

Music : Amit Trivedi's music is up to the mark, though not extraordinary. Some songs such as the title song 'English Vinglish' and 'Manhattan' appear to be pleasant when you listen to them. Another song 'Navrai Majhi' is enjoyable while watching.

Other Technical Aspects : Cinematography by Laxman Utekar is very good. He has captured foreign locations also very well. Editing by Hemanti Sarkar is also good.

Direction : Gauri Shende had done her job brilliantly. Her choice of cast and subject is perfect. Though it is not a comedy film its director makes you smile at many places. The director has succeeded in entertaining you rather than preaching! Her placing of songs is convincing as they look natural and demand of the script. Its songs don't appear to be forced.

Plus Points : Powerful performances of Sridevi & Amitabh Bachchan; Good Script; Good Direction; Fun in the film

Conclusion : It is a different type of film which whole family can sit, watch and enjoy! Though the subject appears to be serious, it is an entertaining film.

Verdict : A good film! A must watch film! A film to be watched with family!