Hindi Medium is a 2017 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Saket Chaudhary. The movie stars Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar in the lead roles, with the story focusing on the education system and the socio-economic divide in India.

Plot Summary:

The film revolves around Raj (played by Irrfan Khan) and his wife Mita (played by Saba Qamar), who are wealthy but uneducated. They live in a posh neighborhood in Delhi and want their daughter, Pia, to get a good education. To ensure she gets admission to a prestigious English-medium school, the couple is forced to confront their own biases, societal pressures, and the obsession with English education, which is seen as a symbol of success in India.

Raj and Mita, although financially successful, do not understand the importance of schooling and often look down on people who are less privileged. In order to secure a spot for Pia in the best school, they try to manipulate the system by pretending to be from a lower socio-economic background. This leads to various hilarious and touching moments as they navigate the struggles of being caught between their desires and the reality of the education system.

Themes:

  • Social Class Divide: The film highlights the divide between the rich and the poor in terms of education and opportunities.
  • The Obsession with English Education: The movie critiques the importance placed on English-medium schools and how they are often associated with success and prestige.
  • Parenting and Aspirations: The film touches upon parental love and how far parents are willing to go for the sake of their children’s future.

Reception:

Hindi Medium received positive reviews for its performances, especially that of Irrfan Khan, and its thought-provoking storyline. The film was appreciated for blending humor with serious social commentary. It was both a commercial and critical success.

Awards:

The film won several awards, including the Best Actor (Irrfan Khan) and Best Screenplay at various film festivals and award shows.

Hindi Medium was followed by a sequel titled English Medium (2020), which also explores similar themes, this time focusing on the protagonist’s daughter's desire to study abroad.