Adapted from the novel by Shrabani Basu and directed by Stephen Frears, Victoria and Abdul opens in cinemas on the 26th of October.
Presented at the 74th International Venice Film Festival, the film follows the friendship between Victoria – the Queen of the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India –and Abdul, her Indian secretary.
Abdul arrives at the Queen's Court to deliver her an ancient Indian coin during a ceremony. The Queen is conquered by the witty spirit of the young man and decides to keep him in London as an advisor. Abdul receives the title of Munshi, an Urdu word often translated as "clerk" or "teacher", and his role becomes crucial.
Queen Victoria is played by Judi Dench, while the Indian actor Ali Fazal plays the role of Abdul.
