​FILMS

unindian

2015 review number 155:

UNindian: (Drama/Comedy/Romance): 74 out of 100: Have you ever wondered what happens to sportspeople after they have retired? We know the obvious post-career choices like coaching and commentating, but how about the performing arts? If you are a cricket fan, you would have heard of Brett Lee. He was the Australian fast bowler who terrorised batsmen with his frightening pace, especially early in his career. Now he demonstrates potential early in his acting career.

 

Meera (Tannishtha Chatterjee) is a single mother and successful businesswoman, sharing her home with her 11 year old daughter, Smitha (Maya Sathi). Meera's parents are often visiting, trying to play matchmakers and setting her up with a wealthy Indian cardiologist named Samir (Nicholas Brown). Will (Brett Lee) spots Meera at an Indian festival and pursues her even though he has been advised by his flatmate TK (Arka Das) that he would only be courting trouble as he is not Indian. What helps make Will empathise with other cultures is his role as a university teacher who specialises in teaching culture and colloquialisms to recent arrivals.

 

Although a little rough around the edges at times, Lee does a fine job as the Aussie who is interested in Indian culture, which is a reflection of his real life. As cricket is like a religion in India, he will keep his fans happy by staying in the spotlight. Time will tell if he is as successful as an actor as he was a fast bowler for Australia. The scenes he shares with Chatterjee provide definite chemistry and it's not difficult to believe they would make a couple. Chatterjee injects plenty of emotion and comes across as striking, beautiful and determined. Arka Das and Adam Dunn as his best friends are hilarious while Sathi pulls the right strings as the daughter who wishes to contact her father. The culture clash is superbly highlighted by Kapu and Khurana although there is a touch of stereotyping written into their roles. (Keep an eye out for my cousin who plays the laundry lady).

 

Some of the humour is broad and cliched but that's what makes the story so appealing. It's about the clash of cultures and the best way to do this is to highlight the difficulties one faces when trying to assimilate with another culture. There are quite a few colloquialisms bandied about which some might find frustrating, but in the context of this story where the main male character teaches this subject, they are necessary to include in the script. The story is occasionally predictable but many romantic comedies tend to be like that. The movie heads into darker territory when there is an abduction so the story isn't totally frothy and bubbly.

 

There are several spectacular views of Sydney Harbour which will showcase the city's wonders to the world. With an Indian theme prominent, the music score has an Indian flavour to it including a Bollywood musical number which is fun and appealing.

 

UNindian features all the enticing colours and rhythms of Bollywood but incorporates the relaxed humour of Australian culture. It's an exciting combination that mostly succeeds in a predicable though enjoyable manner.

 

Starring Brett Lee and Tannishtha Chatterjee

(106 minutes)

Parental advice: Sex scene

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits there is a Bollywood musical number where several members of the crew are presented to the audience

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QMRiv9a7uI (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 15th October, 2015)

 

For my latest reviews, go to this link: http://mlaimlai2.wix.com/magical-movie-review