Netflix dropped the first official teaser trailer of The White Tiger, the hotly anticipated film, based on master writer Aravind Adiga’s novel of the same name. The White Tiger is slated for a theatrical release in December, though only in select theatres; and then on Netflix on 22nd January.
The White Tiger is the debut novel of best-selling author Aravind Adiga, which had also won him the 2008 Man Booker Prize. Netflix has commissioned the adaptation of the novel for its streaming platform, in the form of a Netflix Original film. The movie stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rajkummar Rao, and debutante Adarsh Gourav in pivotal roles.
The trailer is incendiary, laying bare the crippling economic disparity in India. Highly affecting scenes in the trailer depict the deep divides in Indian society – the rich-poor divide, the Brahmin – Dalit divide, the Hindu – Muslim divide, the educated – illiterate divide, and so many more.
The White Tiger tells the story of a poor villager Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav), who breaks free from the shackles of poverty and servitude, to become a man of standing in the world. How he does it is a series of shocking twists, stunning turns and dark drama. The narrative is a damning indication of the deep-rooted corruption, poverty and classism in India.
Netflix’s The White Tiger departs from Aravind Adiga’s novel in one crucial way – the protagonist Balram Halwai is shown to serve as a chauffeur to a rich couple (Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao) that has returned to the country from America; while in Adiga’s novel, he serves a rich big-city businessman.
Adarsh Gourav is a revelation as the wily Balram. He easily outshines both Priyanka and Rajkummar Rao, quite apparent even in the short 21/5 minute trailer. He was earlier seen in The Viral Fever’s young adult show, Hostel Daze. Priyanka Chopra Jonas catches the eye as Pinky Madam. Rajkummar Rao doesn’t quite cut it as a US-returned rich guy. His accent comes across as fake and inauthentic.
The White Tiger has been directed by Ramin Bahrani and produced by Netflix. Mukul Deora is co-producer of the film. This is the second Aravind Adiga novel to be taken up by Netflix for a web adaptation. It has earlier produced two seasons of web series Selection Day, based on Adiga’s novel of the same name.
The White Tiger premieres in select theaters in December, and on Netflix on 22nd January.
Check out the first official teaser trailer of The White Tiger –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM-Nw9XzqVM
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