Review of English Vinglish (2012) by Prashant C — 06 Oct 2012

Sridevi who had been away from the spotlight for a decade and a half, comes back in this star vehicle, with her acting chops all there and matured like good wine. This film has a wonderful ensemble cast aptly cast and directed by Cheeni Kum's and Pa's Director's wife. Sridevi is everywhere and leaves with you when you reluctantly pull yourselves from the seat at the end and two standouts in the cast is the kid son of Sridevi and the French Cook in the English Speaking Class. She does look a bit over botoxed but for her performance we are willing to excuse such minor blemishes and also sulk for the fact that a jealous Boney K has deprived us of such a performer for such a long time. She plays a underdog lady who has an adoring son but is deprived of respect by her teen daughter and disinterested husband. The English Speaking class scenes remind you about 'Mind your Language' but still have enough ingenuity and pathos to stand out and hold your attention. New York plays the backdrop for a millionth time but then its New York so you really don't mind it!

But still this is one film, which focuses on the lead character and the lead actor grabs the limelight and doesn't let go for even a moment in a pitch perfect performance with enough gravitas to drown hundred plastic newbies. The speech in the end in the era of the Video Cassettes would have ensured the tape all messed up in that section due to the repeated rewinds. The soundtrack is almost perfunctory yet appealing and all in all this film is a necklace of multiple moments like pearls and makes you hope desperately that the wait for the next Sridevi Gem shall not be so long. Boney K, I hope you are listening!