Watch Delhi in a Day

Delhi in a Day is a 2011 Indian drama film directed by Prashant Nair. The film explores the conflict between two cultures as a wealthy English family, the Bakers, visits India and their lives become entwined with a local household staffed with servants. Through the characters' intertwined lives, the film illuminates the cultural, social and moral variances between the characters and their conflicts in adjusting to each other's ways.

The story revolves around Mr. Baker, a wealthy, arrogant businessman, and his family, including his wife and daughter, who are on a holiday in India. They rent a guest house in a posh location, with a swimming pool and an Indian caretaker named P.K. Dubey. The Baker family is used to a luxurious lifestyle, and they expect the same in India, but their dreams are soon shattered.

P.K. Dubey's family, who live in the guest house's servants' quarters, are a culturally different lot. Dubey is unhappy with his dead-end career and his stagnating life, and his wife still grieves the loss of her daughter. Dubey's young nephew, a wannabe Bollywood star, named Munna, is keen to make it big without any formal training. Their world shatters when Munna has a car accident in Mr. Baker's car. They are afraid of getting arrested, and Dubey beseeches Mr. Baker to help him.

The film examines the white man's complex relationship with his Indian hosts, their culture, and their country. It dissects the aspirations of a young Indian, hoping to make it big in Bollywood, and the plight of the Indian servant class, who are bound by a caste system that keeps them in their place. The themes of cultural misunderstandings and overcoming cultural barriers are at the heart of the film, providing a thought-provoking and illuminating commentary on the complexities of cultural interactions.

The characters in the film are played with conviction and depth by the cast, including Victor Banerjee as P.K. Dubey, Shiela Scanlon as Mrs. Baker, and Lillete Dubey as Dubey's wife. Siddharth Bhardwaj, as the young Munna, provides a convincing and charming portrayal of the young hopeful.

Delhi in a Day is not just a film about cultural barriers and conflicts. It also delves into the human condition, exploring emotions such as grief, fear, hope, and joy with equal sensitivity. Prashant Nair's directorial skills are evident in the way he has crafted each character's story, weaving them into a fine-tuned plot that keeps the viewer engaged throughout the film. The balance between humor and pathos is just right, and the film never feels too preachy or pedantic.

The cinematography in Delhi in a Day is another standout feature. The city of Delhi has been captured in all its vivid colors and bustling energy, providing a beautiful backdrop to the story. The visual richness of the film, coupled with the well-crafted performances, makes it a delight to watch.

In conclusion, Delhi in a Day is a beautiful exploration of cross-cultural encounters, drawing attention to the difficulties of negotiating interpersonal relationships in a globalized world. It is a film that reveals the nuances of the Indian way of life, the challenges faced by Indians living in a caste system, and the pride and honor in their way of life. The film is not cynical, instead, it is empathetic and uplifting, providing a humanistic vision to the complex diversity of India. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the subtleties of cultural interactions and the intricacies of navigating our complex world.

Delhi in a Day is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.