Bride And Prejudice

Judy Thorburn

"Bride And Prejudice" - Not By The Book, Fun Bollywood Musical

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“BRIDE & PREJUDICE”- NOT BY THE BOOK, FUN BOLLYWOOD MUSICAL

Gurinda Chadha was the filmmaker behind that surprise international hit “Bend It Like Beckham” a couple of years ago. Audiences everywhere connected to the charming story about a London born teenager of Indian heritage who dreams of playing football (what we Americans call soccer) against the wishes of her traditional parents who see the sport not fit for a proper young lady. Well, it appears Chadha has another audience pleaser to add to her resume.

In Bride and Prejudice, director Chadha and co-writer Paul Mayeda Berges has adapted Jane Austen’s similarly titled story but with a twist and a flavor all its own, yet once again focusing on the culture clash between an Indian family and western influence. What sets this version apart from other updated, reworked adaptations of Austen’s novel is seeing Bride presented as a typical Bollywood musical, known for its big song and dance numbers that pop up at any given moment complete with throngs of background performers keeping step in perfect unison. The choreography has a definite Indian signature, and is not very imaginative. The songs made up of cheesy lyrics may not be memorable, except for the comical, cutesy “No Life Without Wife”, but all are high spirited, energetic, and the musical numbers are fun to watch even if some of us Westerners, will certainly view it as a bit campy. Yet, all in all, for some reason it works - that’s all that matters.

Not counting animated features, I don’t recall seeing such a visually dazzling film saturated with such gorgeous vibrant colors in every scene. Purples, pinks, blues, greens and golds have never looked so bright and inviting. In fact, if talking about beautiful things, at the top of the list has got to be the star, and former Miss World of 1994, Indian superstar Aishwarya Rai, in her first English speaking role. The obvious charismatic beauty is also a skilled, multi talented actress, who can sing and dance. (I hate her – only kidding –really!)

The story revolves around Lalita Bakshi (Aishwarya Rai) the second of four daughters of an Indian family living in the small town of Amritsar. Mother (Nadira Babbar) is anxious to see her girls married and hopes to work out arranged marriages, so traditional in her culture. At the wedding of a family friend American hotel heir Will Darcy (The Ring’s, Martin Henderson), visiting with his Indian friend from London Balraj (Naveen Andrews, of TV’s Lost) is immediately attracted to Lalita, but they soon clash when a discussion turns into a verbal sparring match about views on culture pride and prejudice. Of course, these two beautiful human specimens are destined to be together, but before reaching that conclusion other characters and subplots come into play.

Lalita’s other (almost, but not quite as beautiful) sisters have a mind of their own. Older sister Jaya (Namrata Shirodkar) and Balraj make a romantic connection, but younger, spunky Lucky (Peeya Rai Chowdharcy) falls for dashing, dangerous Johnny Wickham (Daniel Gilles), who has a seedy past that has something to do with his former friend, Will’s kid sister (Alexis Bleidel, TV’s Gilmore Girls).

Bride is filled with an array of quirky and colorful characters that spice up the story. Natin Chandra Ganatra is especially scene stealing as Mr. Kohli, the wealthy Indian expatriate, now living in Beverly Hills, who comes back to his homeland to pick a wife. As an Americanized Indian who thinks he is hip, he evokes plenty of laughs as the comic relief. And Nadira Babbar, as the overly determined mother wishing to marry off her daughters to rich Indian suitors, is a hoot.

What I especially like about Bride and Prejudice is how it celebrates cultural diversity while at the same time poking lighthearted fun at the different customs, traditions and values. Speaking of color, the local color moves from Amritsar to Bombay, to London, Beverly Hills and Goa, splendidly capturing the feel of those cities.

If you don’t like musicals, what can I say; maybe this isn’t your cup of tea. But, as a cross-cultural romantic musical/comedy that offers so much fun and is great to look at I give it a high recommendation. I bet Jane Austen might even approve and think East meets West is a perfect marriage for “Bride and Prejudice”.