Just the fact that the tagline of this classic seems to be ideal in reality, makes us love this film even more. “When a British Brat meets a Funjabi Boy.”
A fantastic tale of inter-cultural love and desi humour is what makes Namastey London one of the best romantic comedies ever. This enjoyable film also touches upon Indian morals, values and tells one to be connected to their cultural roots.
The story simply revolves around the life of a British born Indian brat Jazz (Jasmeet) who wants to live her life on her own terms and is upset by her fathers decision on their trip to India, to get her married to a loud, fun loving Punjabi farmer Arjun Singh who falls in love with her since the time he saw her. She tricks him into coming to London after their marriage ceremony in Punjab, and later declares their marriage null and void making Arjun seem like a loser. However, this obstinate “Punjabi Munda” is confident that Jazz would soon fall for him and gradually sees Jazz develop a soft corner for him. Finally on Jazz’s wedding day, she leaves her British fiancé Charlie Brown at the altar and runs for Arjun realising its him that she truly loved.
This film has one highlight scene that undoubtedly deserves an ovation.
The scene where Arjun proudly informs Charlie’s shrewd family friends about how India is not
a land of “snake charmers” and “tandoori chicken” but shows them the true picture of how great India is and yet our culture teaches us to be humble and respect others is one of the most underrated scenes in Bollywood for sure.
Talking about its music album, Namastey London’s soundtrack is beyond words. The Javed Akthar - Himesh Reshamiya combination makes you go the road to eternal bliss. Right from HR’s solo tracks, “Viraniyaan”, “Chakna Chakna” to beautifully sung and written “Yahi Hota Pyaar” and “Annan Faanan”, the music is just on another level. The legendary track by none other than Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, “Main Jahaan Rahoon” is just exceptional and its beauty cannot be expressed in words. Afterall, “teri yaad….. saath hai” just has different vibes.
“Rafta Rafta” and “Dilruba” are great dance numbers. Overall, this album is filled with underrated tracks and tracks that will stay in your hearts forever. Listening to all the songs after watching this gem simply gives you London like feels as if you are listening to this song with ear-ins, wearing a thick winter hoodie, hanging your head down and walking blissfuly on the cold, narrow streets of London aimlessly as if you are simply lost in the beauty of the melody. Magical!!
Coming to the performances, there could be nobody better than Akshay to portray the character of a loud, fun loving Punjabi boy trying to woo Katrina who beautifully fits into the role of a British Brat. Rishi Kapoor is phenomenal and effortlessly plays the role of a father who has lived in London for a long time but stays connected to his Indian roots in Punjab.
Namastey London is filled with desi humour, love and fun. One film you just shouldn’t miss, after all you just cannot miss the Akshay-Katrina chemistry.
Beautifully written👌