The Partition of India | Gurinder Chadha’s 'Viceroy's House'
In 1947, British statesman Lord Mountbatten serves as India's last Viceroy and is charged with handing India back to its people, but meets with conflict as different sides clash in the face of monumental change. Downstairs in the servants quarters, Mountbatten's new manservant, Jeet falls for the daughter's assistant, Alia and all manner of obstacles are put in their way.
'Viceroy's House' features solid performances by the cast, led by Gillian Anderson and Hugh Bonneville. Supporting actors Manish Dayal (Jeet) and Huma Qureshi (Alia) steal the film with their characters' complicated romance in the backdrop of India's transition to independence. This is a departure for writer/director Gurinder Chadha, who is known for comedy films 'Bend It Like Beckham' and 'Bride and Prejudice'. Chadha has made a charming film, creating an upstairs/downstairs atmosphere with the contrasting points of view of Lord Mountbatten and Indians during their long-awaited independence from Britain. The script is well written by Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges and Moira Buffini. The cinematography by Ben Smithard is exquisite alongside Victoria Boydell's the editing.
A splendid film with a superb cast, 'Viceroy's House' is a fascinating watch.
If you're a fan of Gurinder Chadha's work, this is a must-see.
'Viceroy’s House' is in cinemas now!
