English Vinglish is a Bollywood film directed by Gauri Shinde and released in 2012. It features Sridevi as Shashi Godbole, a homemaker who is constantly belittled and underestimated because she cannot speak English fluently. Her husband and teenage daughter are often embarrassed by her lack of proficiency and she feels marginalized while visiting family in the United States.
One day, Shashi decides to take charge of her life and enrolls in an English language class. She meets several other immigrants from different countries, who are all struggling to communicate in the new language. With determination and hard work, Shashi slowly learns to speak and understand English, gaining confidence and a new sense of self-worth.
The film highlights the struggles of non-native English speakers, especially women who are expected to take care of their families but are held back by cultural biases and lack of education. It also touches upon the importance of family support and understanding in achieving personal goals.
English Vinglish was widely praised for its portrayal of a strong, independent female protagonist and its message of empowerment for women. Sridevi's performance was particularly celebrated, as it marked her comeback to the silver screen after a long hiatus. The film was a commercial and critical success, and is considered a classic in modern Indian cinema.