Review of English Vinglish (2012) by Mesh B — 09 Mar 2013

English Vinglish is yet another good example of progress in Indian-American movies that needs to be pursued further by Bollywood filmmakers.The movie tells the story of Sashi, an insecure Indian housewife who lives with her, rather sexist husband and two kids, one being a very spoiled teenage daughter who both think less of her resulting from her incapability to speak the second language in India, English.

As the movie goes, Sashi has to leave India and come to New York for her niece's wedding. The film gets interesting when Sashi enroll in a four weeks English course that leads her in founding a new freedom of expressing herself without the judgement from her family and society in general, but also spark a new possibility of love interest with Laurent, French guy in her English class who take an interest at her.

I appreciate what the director, Gauri Shinde did here. She tells the enclosed obsession of Indian society with the Western lifestyle, and at the same time tackle women role in an Indian family. But, of course like any other Indian movies who are to afraid to make a bold statement, the climax ended with an absurd and disappointing conclusion.

Bollywood veteran actress, Sridevi plays Sashi beautifully, after being rather absence from the Bollywood scene, which leaves me with hope to see more of these kinda role offers to those 'aged' actresses. And a big shout out to French actor, Mehdi Nebbou who plays the underdog character, Laurent.

Whether it's the interracial relationship, gay awareness character or even hint of feminism merely presence in the movie, English Vinglish do brings a fresh point of view that has been lacking in Bollywood movies for(ever) sometimes now.

6.5/10.