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Viceroy's House is a historical drama film that depicts the events surrounding the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The movie was directed by Gurinder Chadha and starred Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, and Manish Dayal. Hugh Bonneville portrayed the last British Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, or "Dickie" as he is fondly called by his family. The film follows Mountbatten, his wife (Gillian Anderson), and daughter (Lily Travers) as they move to the Viceroy's House in Delhi to oversee the transfer of power from British rule to Indian independence.

While Mountbatten was initially optimistic about the future of India, he soon realizes that the country is deeply divided along religious and cultural lines. He confronts the leaders of the Hindu and Muslim communities, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Mahatma Gandhi, in an effort to prevent violence between the warring factions.

At the same time, the movie also depicts the lives of the Indian staff who work in the Viceroy's House. Manish Dayal plays Jeet Kumar, a young Hindu man who falls in love with Aalia (Huma Qureshi), a Muslim woman who works as a translator for Mountbatten. Their love story is woven into the larger political narrative, highlighting the personal toll that the Partition took on ordinary people.

As tensions between Hindus and Muslims escalate, Mountbatten is faced with the difficult task of deciding how to divide the country. He consults with his advisors, including a British historian (Simon Callow) and a Sikh servant (Om Puri), but ultimately, the decision rests with him.

Viceroy's House is a beautifully shot film set against the backdrop of India's struggle for independence. The movie captures the beauty of India, showcasing its vibrant culture, its diverse religions and its delicious cuisine. The film also highlights the ugly side of politics, revealing the greed, ambition, and fear that often drives those in power.

One of the most striking aspects of Viceroy's House is its attention to detail. The filmmakers spent years researching the history of Partition, consulting with historians, politicians, and ordinary people who lived through the tumultuous period. The sets and costumes are also meticulously crafted, accurately reflecting the clothing and decor of the time.

The performances in the film are uniformly excellent. Hugh Bonneville brings his trademark charm and gravitas to the role of Mountbatten, portraying him as a well-meaning but flawed individual who is caught up in a political and cultural maelstrom. Gillian Anderson is also excellent as Lady Mountbatten, providing a nuanced portrayal of a woman who is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her growing empathy for the Indian people.

Manish Dayal and Huma Qureshi also shine in their roles, infusing the film with a romantic subplot that provides a welcome respite from the political drama. Their chemistry is palpable, and their love story is both moving and heartbreaking.

Overall, Viceroy's House is a superb film that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant events in world history. The movie is a powerful reminder of the human cost of politics and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Indian people.

Viceroy's House is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 53.