These movies are and were part of my weekend binge and therefore very close to my heart. The purpose of these reviews are not to criticize any aspect of this movie. I just want to put it out there. This is the kind of cinema I like.

Disclaimer 

 I am reviewing it based on my memories of 2014 when me and my sister watched it every Saturday for lunch.

Non Review Rant

This review was drafted on March 1, 2020, and it took me more than three years to finally get to publish it. Can you believe that? Such is life. 

I recently started doing “Daily Prompts” just to inculcate the habit of blogging daily (not counting the drama reviews I post). One of the prompt was: Top Ten Favourite Movies. I started writing about then, and then suddenly a light  went on in my head. 

Hey, you’ve been meaning to post about Bollywood movies. I looked up for the drafts and surely, I have the drafts for most of the movies I mentioned in this post: . It proves two things–that my choices are consistent, and that I’m a procrastinator.

Without much further procrastination, let’s dive in.

Cast and Characters

• Sridevi as Shashi Godbole: The heart and soul of the film, Shashi is a homemaker who faces subtle yet constant ridicule from her family due to her lack of English proficiency.

• Adil Hussain as Satish Godbole: Shashi’s husband, who loves her but often takes her for granted and underestimates her abilities.

• Mehdi Nebbou as Laurent: Shashi’s French classmate in New York who becomes a close friend, offering support and companionship despite the language barrier.

• Priya Anand as Radha: Shashi’s teenage daughter, who takes her mother’s role for granted until she witnesses her transformation.

• Navika Kotia as Sapna: Shashi’s younger daughter, who loves her unconditionally.

• Sulabha Deshpande as Chandralekha: Shashi’s meddling and opinionated mother-in-law who criticizes her at every turn.

Credits

• Director: Gauri Shinde
• Producer: R. Balki, Sunil Lulla
• Music: Amit Trivedi
• Cinematography: Laxman Utekar
• Editor: Hemanti Sarkar
• Production Company: Hope Productions, Eros International

Trivia

1. Sridevi’s Comeback: “English Vinglish” marked the iconic Sridevi’s return to acting after a 15-year hiatus. Her performance was widely acclaimed and the film became a fitting comeback for the legendary actress.

2. Language Learning Journey: Sridevi, who wasn’t fluent in English herself, took Hindi classes to improve her pronunciation while delivering English lines.

3. Real-Life Inspiration: Director Gauri Shinde was inspired to make the film after observing her own mother’s struggles with English. The narrative’s emotional core is drawn from her personal experiences.

4. Global Appeal: The film’s theme of self-discovery and empowerment resonated not only in India but also internationally, making it a crossover success.

5. Real New York Locations: The New York scenes were largely shot on location, giving the film an authentic feel and capturing the city’s vibrancy.

6. Critical Acclaim: “English Vinglish” received positive reviews from critics for its heartwarming story, Sridevi’s performance, and its portrayal of relatable family dynamics.

7. Box Office Success: The film garnered commercial success along with critical acclaim, proving that content-driven narratives can strike a chord with audiences.

Plot Summary

Alright, let’s talk about the delightful journey that is “English Vinglish.” Sridevi, in her comeback role, takes the center stage as Shashi, a simple yet remarkable homemaker who’s often belittled for her lack of English proficiency. Her family’s casual disrespect stings, but Shashi decides to tackle it head-on. Enrolling in an English class during a trip to New York, she navigates the world of grammar and vocabulary with a mix of determination and self-doubt.

As Shashi grapples with her insecurities, she encounters a diverse group of fellow learners who become her unlikely support system. Her transformation isn’t just about mastering a language; it’s about rediscovering her identity and self-worth. The film’s warmth lies in Shashi’s interactions, whether it’s bonding over food or connecting with a French classmate who doesn’t speak English either.

The film’s emotional core is Shashi’s realization that respect transcends language barriers. Back in India, her newfound confidence stuns her family, forcing them to see her in a new light. The climax is a heartfelt speech in broken yet powerful English, a moment of triumph that encapsulates her journey.

“English Vinglish” isn’t just about grammar lessons; it’s a celebration of self-discovery and empowerment. Sridevi’s graceful portrayal, coupled with moments that tug at your heartstrings, makes this film an endearing narrative of growth, acceptance, and the transformative power of self-belief.

Review

Alright, gather ’round because we’re diving into a film that touched my heart on a personal level – “English Vinglish.” This movie isn’t just entertainment; it’s a mirror reflecting the struggles and triumphs of many who’ve walked the path of self-discovery.

Sridevi’s portrayal of Shashi, a homemaker who faces ridicule for her lack of English skills, is a revelation. From the get-go, you can’t help but root for her. The film captures the quiet strength that resides in every individual, even those who might be overlooked by society.

Shashi’s journey from feeling invisible to rediscovering her self-worth is a rollercoaster of emotions. As someone who has grappled with self-doubt and societal expectations, this film resonated deeply with me. It portrays the transformative power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing change.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of “English Vinglish” is the portrayal of relationships. Shashi’s family, while well-intentioned, often belittles her due to her language struggles. Yet, it’s through their interactions that Shashi’s growth shines the brightest. The film paints a realistic picture of family dynamics, where love often hides behind misunderstandings.

Moreover, the film is a celebration of the ordinary. It honors the unsung heroes who navigate life’s challenges with grace. Shashi’s tryst with a culinary course in New York is a symbol of her determination to prove herself. Her interactions with people from various walks of life showcase the universal desire for respect and understanding.

Parting Thoughts

“English Vinglish” isn’t just a film; it’s a mirror reflecting the struggles and triumphs of many who’ve fought to be seen and heard. It stands as a testament to the fact that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves respect and validation.

This movie encourages us to shed our inhibitions, embrace change, and recognize the strength within us. It’s a reminder that our self-worth isn’t determined by external validations. It’s a cinematic gem that left me feeling both empowered and moved, making it a cherished addition to my list of favorite movies.

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