Victoria & Abdul Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An aging Queen Victoria finds an unlikely pen pal and cultural tutor in an Indian clerk, much to the exasperation of her stuffy royal household who just wanted her to be miserable in peace.

🍿 Victoria & Abdul: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unexpected Encounter at the Golden Jubilee

In 1887, Abdul Karim, a young prison clerk from Agra, British India, is tasked with traveling to England for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. His seemingly simple role is to present a ceremonial Mohur, a gold coin, as a token of appreciation from British-ruled India. During the formal presentation, Abdul, against strict protocol, makes eye contact with the Queen. This small but significant gesture captures the attention of Queen Victoria (Judi Dench), who is feeling lonely and weary of her rigid royal life and the endless formalities.

The Munshi and the Queen’s Growing Friendship

Intrigued by Abdul, the Queen takes a surprising interest in him, requesting his extended stay in England. She soon promotes him to her personal “Munshi” (teacher), a role that signifies more than just a servant. Victoria begins to learn Urdu and delves into the teachings of the Quran under Abdul’s guidance, finding a renewed zest for life and a fresh perspective on the world. Their bond deepens as Abdul shares stories of India, its culture, and the majestic Taj Mahal, topics that profoundly fascinate the Queen. This unconventional friendship offers Victoria a much-needed emotional connection, filling a void left by the death of her beloved Prince Albert.

Royal Household’s Resistance

Abdul’s rapid ascent in the Queen’s favor and his increasing influence ignite a fierce resentment among the royal household and inner circle. Figures like her son, Bertie (Prince of Wales), and Prime Minister Lord Salisbury view Abdul as an unwelcome intruder, a commoner, and a Muslim, who is inappropriately close to the monarch. They conspire to undermine his position and discredit him, hoping to sever the Queen’s attachment and send Abdul back to India. Their efforts involve investigations into his background and attempts to expose perceived deceptions.

Victoria’s Unwavering Loyalty

Despite the royal household’s relentless efforts to expose Abdul’s humble origins and later, a hidden medical condition, Queen Victoria remains fiercely loyal. She vehemently defends their unique bond against her courtiers’ objections and even their threats of mass resignation and declaring her insane. Victoria’s unwavering support for Abdul highlights her defiance against the xenophobia and class prejudices prevalent in her court. She continues to protect Abdul, showcasing her deep affection and trust, even as she grapples with the truth about some of his past claims. Her determination to keep him by her side demonstrates the profound personal significance of their friendship to her final years.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Queen Victoria (Judi Dench): The aging, lonely British monarch who finds renewed joy and curiosity through an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk.
• Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal): A young Indian clerk who becomes Queen Victoria’s trusted Munshi, enriching her life with new perspectives and an unconventional friendship.
• Bertie, Prince of Wales (Eddie Izzard): Queen Victoria’s resentful and impatient son who leads the royal household’s efforts to sabotage his mother’s friendship with Abdul.
• Sir Henry Ponsonby (Tim Pigott-Smith): The Queen’s private secretary who consistently attempts to manage and undermine Abdul’s increasingly influential position within the royal court.
• Mohammed (Adeel Akhtar): Abdul’s cynical travel companion who is openly disdainful of British culture and frustrated by Abdul’s sudden rise in favor.
• Lord Salisbury (Michael Gambon): The British Prime Minister who is deeply concerned by Abdul’s growing influence over Queen Victoria and the potential scandal it poses.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abdul Karim: “Listen, little drop, give yourself up without regret and in return you will gain the ocean. Give yourself away and in the great sea you will be secure.” – Abdul shares this Sufi proverb with Queen Victoria, encouraging her to embrace life and relinquish control.
• Queen Victoria: “I am fat, I am old, I am a widow, I have an entire empire to run, and I am going insane.” – Queen Victoria expresses her profound weariness and dissatisfaction with her life and overwhelming responsibilities.
• Queen Victoria: “Munshi.” – Queen Victoria acknowledges Abdul as her teacher and confidant, elevating his position and solidifying their unique bond.
• Queen Victoria: “I think it looks very dignified.” – Her surprising and open-minded reaction upon seeing Abdul’s wife and mother-in-law in their black burqas for the first time.
• Queen Victoria: “Everyone I’ve ever loved has been taken from me. I’m used to it.” – She confides in Abdul, revealing the deep loneliness she experiences due to repeated loss throughout her long life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $21,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,245,070
• Worldwide Gross: $66,558,465

💥 Victoria & Abdul Reviews

Personal Review

I was genuinely charmed by ‘Victoria & Abdul’! Judi Dench as Queen Victoria was just magnificent; she truly captured the weariness and then the renewed spark in the Queen’s eyes. Her performance was a masterclass in conveying immense loneliness and the joy of a newfound connection. I particularly loved the moments where Abdul introduced her to new ideas and simple pleasures, like the appreciation of a mango or the beauty of Urdu. It felt so heartwarming to see her find a genuine connection amidst all the stuffy formality. The film made me smile often and even shed a tear by the end, especially witnessing the loyal bond they forged against all odds. It’s a delightful reminder that friendship can blossom in the most unexpected places.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas and period pieces”
  • “Admirers of Judi Dench’s acting”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional friendships across social divides”
  • “Audiences looking for a blend of comedy and drama”
  • “Those curious about untold stories from royal history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG”
  • “Depiction of historical racial prejudice and classism”
  • “Undertones of adult subject matter”

Professional Reviews

• The Film Gazette: “Judi Dench delivers a masterclass, reprising her role as Queen Victoria with both weariness and a renewed spark. The film beautifully captures a vibrant slice of history, elevating a charming story of an unlikely bond with wit and genuine warmth. It’s a visually sumptuous experience, perfectly balancing humor and heartfelt drama. A delightful watch that will leave you thoroughly charmed.
• Screen Pulse Daily: “While ‘Victoria & Abdul’ is undeniably gorgeous and anchored by a formidable Judi Dench, it occasionally skirts the edges of historical nuance, opting for a more whimsical narrative. Ali Fazal provides a warm counterpart, but the film’s portrayal of the royal household as cartoonish foils can detract from the emotional depth. Despite minor missteps, it’s an entertaining and moving look at an extraordinary friendship.

Audience Reactions

Audiences were captivated by the heartwarming and utterly unexpected friendship between an aging Queen Victoria and her young Indian clerk.: Judi Dench’s commanding and nuanced performance as Queen Victoria was universally lauded, with many praising the film’s surprising humor and its stunning visual aesthetics.

Many viewers appreciated the film for shedding light on a little-known historical relationship and its emotional impact.: The chemistry between Judi Dench and Ali Fazal was a frequent highlight, making their unique bond feel authentic and deeply moving despite historical debates.

Overall Consensus: Victoria & Abdul is widely praised as a charming and often humorous historical drama, largely elevated by Judi Dench’s exceptional performance and the poignant depiction of an unlikely cross-cultural friendship, though some viewers debated its historical accuracy and satirical elements.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film opens with a self-aware disclaimer: ‘Based on real events… mostly.’, acknowledging its historical liberties.”
• “Judi Dench, at the start of filming in September 2016, was one month older than Queen Victoria was when she died.”
• “The story was largely unknown until the discovery of Abdul Karim’s journals in 2010, which formed the basis for Shrabani Basu’s book on which the film is based.”
• “Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s actual seaside residence on the Isle of Wight, was extensively used as a filming location, including the intricately decorated Durbar Room.”
• “This film marks the final live-action performance of actor Tim Pigott-Smith, who played Sir Henry Ponsonby, before his passing in April 2017.”

🖥️ How to Watch Victoria & Abdul?

To watch ‘Victoria & Abdul,’ viewers should check major streaming platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, or Vudu for options to rent or purchase. Availability on subscription services may vary by region and over time, so it’s recommended to consult these platforms for the most current viewing options. You can often find the best deals by comparing prices across different services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Victoria & Abdul, you might like these similar films:

• Mrs Brown (1997): Direct comparison, as it also stars Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and explores her controversial friendship with another male commoner, John Brown.
• Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Explores an unlikely, deep, and long-lasting interracial friendship between an elderly white woman and her driver, overcoming societal prejudice and personal barriers.
• The King’s Speech (2010): Features a British royal figure forming a close, unconventional bond with a commoner who helps them overcome a personal challenge, facing resistance from the rigid royal establishment.
• The Remains of the Day (1993): Captures the rigid social hierarchies, unspoken emotions, and the lives of those serving in grand English estates during a similar historical period, featuring exceptional performances.
• Green Book (2018): A more modern equivalent that depicts a transformative interracial friendship formed under challenging circumstances, confronting prejudice and fostering mutual understanding.

🛒 Victoria & Abdul Related Products

• Victoria & Abdul Blu-ray + Digital: Own the critically acclaimed film ‘Victoria & Abdul’ on Blu-ray, featuring stunning high-definition visuals and crystal-clear audio. Includes a digital copy for streaming on all your devices.
• Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant: The fascinating book by Shrabani Basu that inspired the movie. Dive deeper into the real historical events and surprising details of Queen Victoria’s bond with Abdul Karim.
• Replica Mohur Coin (Queen Victoria’s Jubilee): A meticulously crafted replica of the Mohur coin presented to Queen Victoria in the film, symbolizing the unique gift and the beginning of an extraordinary friendship.
• Regal Earl Grey & Indian Spice Tea Blend Gift Set: A delightful gift set featuring two distinct tea blends: a classic British Earl Grey and a vibrant Indian spice blend, celebrating the cultural exchange seen in the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Victoria & Abdul features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Victoria & Abdul Main Theme” – performed by J.A.C. Redford
• “Sons of the Brave” – performed by Thomas Bidgood
• “O mio babbino caro (from Gianni Schicchi)” – performed by Giacomo Puccini
• “Rule, Britannia!” – performed by Thomas Arne

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Who Was Munshi Abdul Karim? | Real Story Behind the Queen’s Relationship | INFO at ADIL

Ever wondered how much of ‘Victoria & Abdul’ is true? This video dives deep into the fascinating real-life story of Munshi Abdul Karim and Queen Victoria, giving you all the historical facts that inspired the film. It’s truly amazing to see the genuine relationship that existed, and this video really brings it to life!

Queen Victoria met Abdul Karim #janoindia #shorts

Got just a minute? This quick #shorts video gives you a cool, brief look at the very first meeting between Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim. It’s a neat little fact that puts the start of their unique relationship into perspective!

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