Victoria & Abdul Parent Guide

Who knew Queen Victoria of England had a humble Muslim from India as a confidant? As unlikely as it sounds, it is true. Their story (described in a book by Shrabani Basu) is the bases of this movie – although screenwriter Lee Hall is quick to point out that he amply applied artistic license to this telling of the tale.

In 1887, Abdul (Ali Fazal) and Mohamad (Adeel Akhtar), another subject of lowly birth, are chosen by officers of the ruling English class to travel to London and present Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) with a token of appreciation from the country she had presided over as Empress of India since 1876. After a four-month sea voyage, a day or two for clothes fitting and a brief lesson on court manners (which includes the strict command to avoid looking directly at Her Majesty), the pair is whisked into the royal dining room to bestow the gift. After what amounts to only a couple of minutes of ceremony, the representatives are supposed to make a hasty exit, get back on the boat and head home. Instead, Abdul uses his few seconds in the spotlight to steal a quick glance at the Queen. And they make eye contact.

The momentary connection prompts Victoria to order another service assignment for the handsome visitor… and his companion. Abdul is greatly honored by the opportunity, and takes advantage of the meeting to charm the crusty head-of-state once again. Mohammed, on the other hand, is sickened by the idea of having to pay homage to a ruler who has been foisted upon his homeland.

Abdul manages to make a big enough impression on the Monarch that their return voyage is further postponed. Vitoria’s preferential treatment soon has the members of her household feeling just as disdainful as Mohamad, although their objections have more to do with race and social class. As days turn into weeks, months and years, Abdul is promoted from footman, to secretary, to travel companion and even Victoria’s personal tutor of Indian languages. And with each elevation in status comes increased indignation from the royal court.

This dragging on of an awkward situation isn’t just a challenge for the people depicted in the movie – it is the main problem with the plot as well. Although moments of the script are amusing, not much really happens between the elderly Victoria and the man she calls the Munshi (teacher). Her curious material affection remains unwavering regardless of the concerns and interference of her servants, royal heirs and political associates.

Other disappointments with this lavish production are the inclusion of profanities and remarks about a sexually transmitted disease. While the issue of discrimination is front and center, it is skirted around and never really confronted. So, despite beautiful art direction, amazing costumes and great actor performances (Judi Dench is exceptionally good), the meandering movie does little to reveal insight into the personal motives of these characters—and even less to engage the viewer in this little-known piece of history.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.