Ah, the world of cinema in 2018, a time when filmmakers ventured onto daring paths, but often only scratching the surface on topics that need a deeper dive. 'English' is a Hindi-language film released in India that year, directed by talented filmmaker Sameer Thahir. You'd think the blend of language and plot would become a chaotic mix, but it delivers something both intriguing and audaciously captivating.
The film sketches out a narrative unlike the run-of-the-mill offerings we've gotten used to seeing. Embodying the dramatic aplomb of Farhan Akhtar and Naresh Gosain, 'English' takes on tales of interconnected lives navigating through life's intractabilities and quirky whimsies. Released in December 2018, it stood as proof that not every filmmaker in the world has swallowed the politically left-tilted pill just yet.
What resonates most with conservatives is its portrayal of genuine humanity—elements often absent from glossy, politically motivated narratives we endure today. 'English' brings to the fore the essence of what cinema should be: a platform to depict authentic stories that don't feel duty-bound to jigsaw political correctness into every scene.
Why did this film manage to stand its ground? Primarily due to its unfiltered storytelling and a refusal to pander to the liberal agenda that more often than not turns films into sanctimonious political statements rather than sources of art and entertainment. Particularly gratifying is the absence of heavy-handed ideological subtext, allowing the characters to breathe and evolve naturally. Refreshing, isn't it?
Oh, and can we talk about the visuals? You'll appreciate the cinematography that transports audiences through vivid imagery without resorting to overdone special effects. While not a high-budget production, 'English' blows new life into the authenticity that can be felt in each frame, consistently reminding viewers of how raw storytelling should look. It’s these artistic choices that highlight less is more and exemplify that perfection doesn’t need a booming budget.
What’s beautiful is how the film’s narrative weaves through different lives, a portrayal of everyday hopes and struggles. This is storytelling at its core, where the focus remains on character-driven drama rather than getting embroiled in societal commentary that neither entertains nor educates. Thank goodness for filmmakers like Thahir who aren't afraid to step off the well-trodden path, ensuring audiences can escape from, rather than be indoctrinated by, their entertainment.
For those miffed by the perpetual rain of cinematic mediocrity, 'English' is a breath of fresh air. It echoes back to a time when storytelling was about real lives and not tokenistic gestures wrapped in CGI spectacles. The film steers clear of the overly scripted ideological narratives currently plaguing the industry and instead, lets viewers experience the art of film-making in its raw, uncled state.
Look, it's clear that films can serve as a magnificent mirror to society, but when that reflection is distorted due to constant bending in one political direction, something meaningful is lost. This is why films like 'English' garner attention and love from audiences looking for more than just two hours off their feet. They tap into the quote-unquote conservative belief that storytelling needs no embellishment to be compelling—it just needs to be sincere.
Dare to step outside the catered ideology spectrum for a couple of hours? Watch 'English' and experience what the soul of cinema can truly offer. It’s the kind of movie that doesn't force feed its audience, allowing them to form their own genuine and potentially conservative conclusions. This film isn't about leaving crumbs for followers of the leftist cinema cliques' approval but about sharing an honest narrative, slightly ragged at the edges but undeniably truthful.
A beacon that shines through an industry obsessed with faux messaging and patting oneself on the back for touting 'correct' viewpoints, 'English' is a testament to the fact that authentic storytelling needs no political crutches to captivate audiences.
In a world where 'woke' has become the norm, 'English' serves as a timely reminder that authenticity in film-making is not confined to current ideological trends. It remains an enduring testament to cinema's power to tell stories worth their salt. Maybe it's time we championed more films like this, ones that allow truth and simplicity to dominate the storytelling landscape, without compromise.