In this wonderful British comedy, a young girl sets out to save her older sister from being forced into an arranged marriage.
Polite Society, the feature debut of British television writer-director Nida Manzoor, is a story about traditional yet laid-back parents, rebellious daughters, and their bond, which is put to the test when one of them consents to an arranged marriage and the other swears to save her. Once you've met the characters in the movie, you'll want to know what they'll do next because the humour and characters are so contagious.
A fiery adolescent named Ria (Priya Kansara) is horrified to find that her adored older sister Lena (Ritu Arya) has agreed to an arranged marriage with the handsome doctor Salim (Akshaye Khanna). Nearly everyone feels that Salim is a wonderful match for Lena, an art school dropout, with the exception of Ria, who has suspicions about something going on with Salim and his controlling mother Rahila (Nimra Bucha). Ria, a martial artist with limited control over her abilities, comes up with a plan to save Lena with the help of her devoted friends Clara (Seraphina Beh) and Alba (Ella Bruccoleri). Will they be able to pull this off, or will everyone be waiting to hit them in the face?
The witty writing and directing of Nida Manzoor give this well-known teen comedy a completely new perspective. However, the story alternates between hilarious and cringe-inducing jokes. Even though some of the scenes of the Khan sisters fighting as though they were in a boxing ring are a touch over the top, you can't help but feel moved by their emotional intimacy. Sisters do quarrel, but in this way? That is difficult to accept.
The first half of Polite Society, like most comedies, is absolutely entertaining. The second half is dominated by the planning of a big South Asian wedding, which slows down the action. Even the dramatic, massive reveal that serves as the climax is a major letdown. The highlight, though, is Ria's performance of the song Maar Daala from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas (2002). She captures your interest and makes you giggle nonstop, especially when she flashes a cheeky grin.
The movie moves along thanks to Priya Kansara's sincere portrayal of the vivacious Ria. Her banter is funny, and her awkwardness permeates the entire 103-minute film. Ritu Arya does a good job portraying Lena, but Ria's role has more depth. quite their roles as their relaxed parents, Jeff Mirza and
Shobu Kapoor turn quite passable performances. Alba, who is ready for anything but has no idea how to go about it, is played with great humour by Ella Bruccoleri. Watching Seraphina Beh's Clara is entertaining as well. As Salim, Akshaye Khanna appears dashing. However, Nimra Bucha steals the show as his mother in her fabulously evil guise.
All in all, Polite Society is an engaging, risk-taking punch you won't mind accepting. Enjoy it and go for it!
.jpg)
0 Comments