Many ghar ki kahaani, portrayed in a very beautiful manner. A perfect protagonist and superb actors in the supporting roles.
Many of us would be able to relate to the story of ‘English Vinglish’ as at some point in time in our lives (or for some, even today)we would have teased our parents/ grand parents for their lesser knowledge of this language called ‘English’! Even when Hindi is our national language Indians take pride in being able to communicate in English and looking down on those who cannot really comprehend English well (even if they might be smarter and sharper than you!). This is a story of a typical housewife having 2 kids and a super busy husband. She is being slogging to keep her family happy (even makes awesome Laddus and is her side business keeping her engaged and of-course to make some extra bucks). But time and time again she is being ruffed up for not knowing enough English to live a successful social life for herself, more importantly for her family!
This is a story of a brave lady who against all ods and lack of motivation within the family goes out to learn the language and how!
You will love what Sridevi (Shashi) does to keep your emotional quotient high and at the same time keep your funny bone ticking. Yes, this movie goes up and down emotionally all the time. Much needed in the movie.
You will particularly love her son ‘Sagar’ (Shivansh Kotia) who does awesomely natural acting. Having said that, all the others in the supporting role have also done a remarkable job.
The bonding Shashi (Sridevi) has with all the other characters in the story is very cute. Especially mom son bonding, Shashi – Radha (Priya Anand) and the special place she has in her heart for the English class. You might not be able to digest the fact that a totally demotivated Indian lady, knowing no English, travels everyday to learn English in America! But I suggest you digest it.
The cafe scene where Shashi tries to order a cup of coffee and a veg sandwich in New York is especially touching and might even push you to cry with Sridevi. That is the power of this beautiful actress! Her come back is truly heart warming. Many heroines have tried a come back and failed – Madhuri Dixit with ‘Aaja Nachle‘ and Karishma Kapoor with ‘Dangerous Ishhq‘. What happened to these movies, you know better, right! 🙂
Watch out for a special appearance when Shashi boards the fight to the US! 🙂
Minor deviations in the story, keeps you guessing on some other lines but you know from the very beginning of the movie that your Shashi will do what she is determined to and not deviate. There are many one liners that she will use to explain her feeling, you better watch carefully.
Last 10 minutes are not to be missed. More than relaxed you will come out relieved, as if this happened with you or your family member. The art of story telling I say! Hats off to Gauri Shinde and R. Balki. This family has also given us the classic ‘Cheeni Kum‘ and ‘Paa‘. Sit thru out when the credit rolls. Nice song and video. Tell me how you like Sridevi’s Micheal Jackson moves! 🙂
Verdict: 4/5 (Totally worth it, got for it)