Review of English Vinglish (2012) by Pranay S — 05 Oct 2012

Sridevi is back after a 15 year gap and what a comeback it is! Her character Shashi is a hardworking dutiful housewife and part-time Entrepreneur who finds joy in her work and serving her family with a lot of love but never gets the respect she deserves.

Her family finds her lack of English skills a source of entertainment and at times embarrassment. She gets an opportunity to go to NY to help out at her niece's wedding and once there, is constantly handicapped by her lack of language skills and overall cultural differences.

After an unpleasant incident due to her poor mastery of English she decides to correct this and joins a 4 week course at learning English. Joining the class gives her the confidence and validation that was lacking in her life and we are introduced to a bunch of immigrant class mates, trying to learn English, who become an endearing support system for Shashi's journey from a shy housewife to a self assured and articulate Indian woman.

It's hard to imagine this is Gauri Shinde's directorial debut as she manages to use Sridevi's natural charisma and comedic chops in a way that would put veteran film makers to shame. You will want to watch it over and over only to look at Sridevi's wonderful performance and an overly charming story brimming with winning characters and a wonderfully progressive outlook.

Super-like!