description Victoria & Abdul Overview
Victoria & Abdul is a 2017 British historical drama directed by Stephen Frears. The film portrays the relationship between Queen Victoria, played by Judi Dench, and Abdul Karim, an Indian Muslim clerk who traveled to Britain in 1887 to present a ceremonial gift to the queen. Their growing friendship and Abdul's role at court created tension among members of the royal household, who viewed the relationship with suspicion.
help Victoria & Abdul FAQ
What is the story of Victoria & Abdul?
The 2017 film follows Queen Victoria's unexpected friendship with Abdul Karim, an Indian Muslim clerk who travels to Britain in 1887 for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Abdul presents a ceremonial medal or gift and becomes a trusted teacher and confidant. [Universal Pictures](https://www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/victoria-abdul)
Who directed Victoria & Abdul, and who stars in it?
Stephen Frears directed the film, with Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim. The film was released in 2017 and runs for about 112 minutes. [Universal Pictures](https://www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/victoria-abdul)
Is Victoria & Abdul based on a real book and real people?
Yes, the film is based on Shrabani Basu's book Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confidant. It is a dramatized historical film about the real relationship between Victoria and Abdul Karim, rather than a documentary. [British Council Films](https://filmsandfestivals.britishcouncil.org/projects/victoria-and-abdul)
Did Abdul Karim really teach Queen Victoria Hindustani or Urdu?
Royal Collection Trust records say Victoria began lessons in Hindustani, or Urdu, with Mohammed Abdul Karim, whose role developed into that of her Munshi, meaning teacher or secretary. The surviving journals include Victoria's language exercises. [Royal Collection Trust](https://ra.rct.uk/Record.aspx?id=VICPRIV%2F5%2F6&src=Catalog)
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