‘The White Tiger’ presents a searing look at India’s caste system
“The White Tiger” is one of those movies that would likely struggle to claw out much attention without Netflix’s muscle behind it, underscoring the streaming service’s ability to lead people to worthwhile films they might not see — in this case, a sobering adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s award-winning book that dissects India’s caste system.
The action unfolds through the eyes of Balram (Adarsh Gourav), who narrates his story — beginning in 2007 — from the vantagepoint of a newly minted tycoon, writing a letter to the visiting Chinese premier requesting the opportunity to meet with him. The narrative then flashes back, revealing Balram as the “low-born” servant to an imperious and corrupt family, obediently operating as their driver.