Watch Hindi Medium

'Hindi Medium' is a light-hearted and satirical take on the Indian education system that revolves around a middle-class couple, Raj Batra (played by Irrfan Khan) and Mita Batra (played by Saba Qamar), who reside in Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Raj and Mita are ambitious parents who want to secure their daughter's future by enrolling her in a top-rated English language school. They believe that English is the only language that can ensure their daughter's success in a globalized world. However, their efforts are thwarted when they learn that their daughter, Pia (played by Dishita Sehgal), can't secure a seat in any of the top-rated English medium schools in their vicinity despite scoring exceptional grades. Distressed and disappointed, Raj and Mita hire a consultant to help them navigate the labyrinthine admission process of the top schools in Delhi. In their effort to secure Pia's admission, Raj and Mita decide to pose as poor people and apply under the reserved category quota for the economically underprivileged. The couple rents a shoddy apartment and even enrolls Pia in a government-run Hindi medium school. The film takes off in hilarious ways as the couple tries to blend in with their surroundings, manage their daughter's education and negotiate the social hierarchy of the school. As Raj and Mita struggle to cope with their new reality and fit in the Hindi medium school system, the film takes a sharp turn towards commenting on societal issues surrounding language and class in India. It highlights the bias that the education system has towards English medium schools and the privileges that come with conforming to this language hegemony. Through a series of comical incidents, the film emphasizes the importance of mother tongue as a means of preserving cultural identity, and how our obsession with English language is perpetuating a classist society. The movie also touches upon the exploitation of the lower strata of society, which is often forced to comply with a language that they can't afford, creating a distance between the economic classes. Irrfan Khan delivers another compelling performance as Raj Batra, a street smart businessman who wants only the best for his daughter but unknowingly fails to see the bigger picture. Saba Qamar plays Mita Batra, a dedicated housewife who is equally ambitious about her daughter's education but finds her beliefs and values being upended by her surroundings. Dishita Sehgal plays Pia Batra, who gracefully navigates through the various challenges of adapting to a new school. Director Saket Chaudhary keeps the narrative light-hearted and playful even while tackling serious issues such as the linguistic divide between classes. The screenplay is cleverly crafted and laced with humor, and the dialogue delivery by the cast is punctuated by impeccable timing. The movie's soundtrack is composed by Sachin-Jigar, who have done an excellent job in keeping the mood of the film upbeat and entertaining. The songs are well placed in the movie, and the background score is fittingly cheerful and optimistic. In conclusion, 'Hindi Medium' is a well-crafted film that uses humor to address crucial social issues in India. A must-watch for anyone who cares about the education system and the cultural identity of India.