Victoria & Abdul

The year is 1887, and within the gilded halls of Osborne House, an air of stifled anticipation hangs heavy. Queen Victoria, a figure draped in perpetual mourning, surveys a lavish banquet with weary eyes, her appetite for life seemingly as diminished as her enthusiasm for yet another jubilee celebration. Amidst the throng of dignitaries, whispers circulate regarding the presentation of a ceremonial medal by two young Indian clerks. One of them, Abdul Karim, a handsome and earnest young man, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the Queen’s orbit. He nervously presents the coin, his dark eyes meeting the monarch’s gaze. Sir Henry Ponsonby, ever watchful and wary of any disruption to court decorum, observes the exchange with undisguised suspicion, while Bertie, Prince of Wales, frets over his mother’s growing isolation and the potential scandal of an unfamiliar friendship. As Victoria beckons Abdul closer, a ripple of unease spreads throughout the palace, a silent acknowledgment that the rigid structure of the Victorian court is about to be irrevocably altered.

Movie Overview

Movie Cast

Storyline

In the twilight years of her reign, Queen Victoria, portrayed by Judi Dench, finds herself weary of the rigid protocols and suffocating expectations of the British court. A spark of renewal ignites when Abdul Karim, played by Ali Fazal, a young Indian clerk, arrives from Agra bearing a ceremonial coin. Abdul’s earnest demeanor and willingness to share his culture pique the Queen’s interest, leading to an unlikely friendship that blossoms into a deep and profound connection. This bond, however, sends ripples of disapproval and resentment through the royal household. Sir Henry Ponsonby, the Queen’s private secretary, along with Bertie, Prince of Wales, played by Eddie Izzard, view Abdul with suspicion and disdain, perceiving him as a threat to the established order and their own positions. They scheme to undermine the relationship, fueled by prejudice and fear of losing influence over the aging monarch. As Victoria increasingly relies on Abdul for companionship and guidance, he becomes her teacher, introducing her to the beauty of Urdu, the intricacies of the Quran, and the vibrant culture of India. The tension escalates as the court’s machinations grow more desperate, forcing Victoria to choose between her loyalty to her empire and her newfound friend. Despite facing relentless opposition and betrayal, Victoria fiercely defends her bond with Abdul, ultimately challenging the rigid conventions of her time and leaving a lasting legacy of empathy and understanding. The film culminates with Victoria’s death, leaving Abdul heartbroken but forever changed by their extraordinary friendship, which history strives to erase but their hearts will forever remember.

Details

In the twilight years of her reign, Queen Victoria, portrayed by Judi Dench, finds herself increasingly weary of the rigid protocols and monotonous routines of royal life. During the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1887, a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim, played by Ali Fazal, is unexpectedly chosen to present her with a ceremonial mohur. Intrigued by Abdul’s earnest demeanor and genuine respect, Victoria begins to seek his company, much to the dismay of her inner circle, including her son Bertie, Prince of Wales, and her loyal but skeptical private secretary, Sir Henry Ponsonby. As Victoria and Abdul’s bond deepens, he becomes her teacher, introducing her to the Urdu language, the Quran, and the vibrant culture of India, igniting a renewed zest for life within the aging monarch. This unconventional friendship is met with resistance and prejudice from the royal household, led by the shrewd Lord Salisbury, who fear Abdul’s influence and plot to undermine their relationship. Amidst palace intrigues and societal disapproval, Victoria fiercely defends her connection with Abdul, challenging the norms of her time and finding solace in a companionship that transcends cultural and societal barriers. The film explores themes of friendship, cultural understanding, and the courage to defy expectations, set against the backdrop of the opulent palaces and lush landscapes of Victorian England and colonial India.

FAQs

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What is the movie “Victoria & Abdul” about?

It’s about the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

When was “Victoria & Abdul” released?

The movie was released on September 13, 2017.

Who directed “Victoria & Abdul”?

The movie was directed by Stephen Frears.

Who are the main actors in “Victoria & Abdul”?

The main actors are Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim.

What genres does “Victoria & Abdul” fall into?

The movie is a Drama and History.

What is the runtime of “Victoria & Abdul”?

The runtime is 112 minutes.

What is the budget of the movie “Victoria & Abdul”?

The budget was 22,000,000.

What was the revenue generated by the movie “Victoria & Abdul”?

The revenue was 65,400,000.

Which countries were involved in the production of “Victoria & Abdul”?

India, United Kingdom, and United States of America were involved.

What is the IMDb ID for “Victoria & Abdul”?

The IMDb ID is tt5816682.

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