Angrezi Medium
Year: 2020
Director: Homi Adjania
Cast: Irrfan, Deepak Dobriyal, Radhika Madan, Kareena Kapoor-Khan, Dimple Kapadia

What’s the plot?

A Rajasthani Mithai-shop-owner- a single father (Irrfan) is trying to wriggle out of his only daughter’s (Radhika Madan) fervent wish to pursue college-education in the UK. He finally relents after seeing the apple of his eye, who has been a ordinary student till date, give it her all to secure high marks. Unfortunately, he messes up his daughter’s chances through an unwitting act.

Determined to get his daughter admitted in a UK-college, and helped by his erstwhile perpetually feuding cousin (Deepak Dobriyal), he comes with them in London, only to land in more unwarranted troubles. Will the doting father finally make his daughter’s wish come true? And at what cost?

Verdict

As Irrfan’s comeback film after his battle with cancer and as the follow-up to the hugely appreciated, heartwarming Hindi Medium, this film was eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately, a patchy, muddled screenplay, and none-too-imaginative direction, mar it from being a satisfying experience. The film keeps aimlessly jumping from one point to another, without having a clear direction and attempting to pass off some silly jokes and dated messages on the way.

Fortunately, a stellar cast still saves the film from being a washout and in fact, makes it even enjoyable. Radhika Madan is lively and believable as the young desi girl desperate to leave the home shores to get a taste of independent, foreign college-life. Kareena Kapoor-Khan as the British Indian-origin cop and Dimple as her mother, gamely make the most of their poorly etched characters. Pankaj Tripathi is superb in his one-scene cameo as a Dubai-based gangster.

The talented but underrated Deepak Dobriyal once again delivers a cracking performance. His superb chemistry with Irrfan is the driving force and the life of the film. What can one say about Irrfan? The man, for the umpteenth time, cracks you up with wit and humor, and makes your eyes wet with genuine heartfelt emotions.

That this wonderful actor won’t light up the screen ever again, is the heartbreaking truth that hits hard after watching Angrezi Medium. It is a largely ordinary film graced by an extraordinary actor, and now it will always be remembered as Irrfan’s last film!

Rating

2.5 stars