| It's believed that films are mirror of society. They depict
what the directors see in the society. Namastey London is
one such film that focuses on an important issue of our society.
It portrays the agonies of Asians living in European countries
and cursing their fate as their children go haywire due to
the modern western culture of these countries. Actually the
movie is inspired from the 60's hit 'Purab Aur Pachhim' made
by Manoj Kumar. Akin to 'Purab Aur Pachhim' the movie has
a rural Indian guy guiding a misguided Indian origin girl
based in London who is crazy about an angrez business tycoon.
There is also a parallel track of a Pakistani family undergoing
a similar trauma. Though the story is off repeated yet what
makes Namastey London worth viewing is its admirable treatment.
The director has beautifully maintained a perfect equilibrium
between emotion and comedy. And what adds to the beauty of
the movie is an arresting cinematography by Jonathan Bloom
taking the viewers not only to the stunning locals of London
but also to a complete Bharat Darshan!
The screenplay and dialogue by Suresh Nair and Ritesh Shah
are the biggest asset of the movie particularly the scene
where Akhay Kumar lambastes a European about India's rich
heritage and its recent achievements. The writers have here
cleverly inserted Manoj Kumar's name in the dialogue (as he
is better known as Mr. 'Bharat' Kumar) The concluding lines
"Agar Bharat ke bare mein jyada janna ho to mein Manoj
Kumar ki film 'Purab aur Pachhim' ka DVD bhej doonga"
draws a huge applause in the cinema halls.
As far as performances are concerned Akshay Kumar emerges
out from his usual action and comedy image and gives a solid
emotional performance. Katrina Kaif and Upen Patel are cut
out for their characters but its other story they are as expressionless
as a stone. The actor who is the real winner is Rishi Kapoor
who lives his role to a perfect 'T'.
Music by Bollywood's latest sensation Himesh Reshammiya is
truly majestic particularly 'Chakna Chakna' but the song that
touches you to the core is the fantastic Sufi number 'Main
Jahaan Rahoon'. Javed Akhtar pours the pathos and woes of
the NRIs quite brilliantly in this song. In short, Namastey
London - reviews the era of the 60's.
B4U spoke to Mumbaikars about the movie:
Suresh Despande: The movie is topical. It touches on a subject
on love for country and a desire to cling to the roots. Hope
the Indians learn a lesson from the film and stop leaving
the country because in lure of big money they end up losing
their biggest wealth that is their children.
Malti Krishnan: The movie has many interesting movements
particularly the Rugby match is the highlight of the movie.
Also the scene where Rish Kapoor
and Katrina Kaif hunt for a matrimonial match is quite mirthful.
Sameera Shaikh : The Pakistani track of Upen Patel is pretty
moving. The scene where Akshay Kumar enlightens Upen about
true love and religion is
highly emotive.
Sudhir Khanna : The movie revives the memory of 60's movies
when there was a trend of movies with international locals.
Remember Love In Tokyo, An
Evening in Paris, Sangam, etc.
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