STARS: NASEERUDDIN SHAH, LILLETE DUBEY, SHEFALI SHETTY, VIJAY RAAZ, TILOTAMA SHOME, VASUNDHARA DAS AND KULBUSHAN KHARBANDA

Story

Five days leading up to an arranged contemporary Indian (Punjabi) wedding with the various tensions and expectations of the impending marriage mirrored by the approaching monsoon. The film is set almost entirely in the bride’s home where the ceremony and celebrations are to be held. The story line initially appears quite loose but we soon realize that we have five separate, each unique, love stories woven into the plot.

Throughout there is all the usual panic and human drama that precedes these milestone events whatever the culture. The modern “arranged wedding” in India is not quite as draconian in its implementation as traditionally in the past and the bride and groom do have the opportunity to meet beforehand and can decide whether they wish to go ahead. The bride is HAVING some difficulty coming to terms with her marriage as she is in a relationship with another man. This being adulterous, and probably heading for nowhere, her choices are further complicated.

In the course of the film a very nasty family skeleton emerges from the closet adding a realistic dramatic sense to the screenplay.

Extras

Wonderful extras, particularly the full length commentary by Mira Nair the Director. This is a film about modern Indian culture and is very entertaining on a first view but there is a huge amount of content that would slip straight past those unfamiliar with the culture. In fact, viewing this commentary is equally as enjoyable (if not more so) than the feature itself. We learn that the film was shot on a minimal budget, in a tight 30 day time frame and with substantial involvement of the Director’s family and friends and this has helped give the film a real sense of warmth and sincerity.

Other extras include a Mira Nair interview, a behind the scenes documentary, cast and crew biographies, a trailer and awards and nominations. All of these are good value and add to an understanding and enjoyment of the film.

Sound track is a mixture of English, Hindi and Punjabi, which Mira Nair explains is the norm in India today, and English sub-titles are provided. Presentation is in 16:9 widescreen and there is the usual scene selection facility. Sound quality is good but the rapid-fire dialogue is sometimes a bit of a challenge to keep up with. Of course with DVD one can readily backtrack to have a second listen.

Overall

Notwithstanding the ’skeleton’, this is a joyful, ebullient, happy and optimistic film - comedy with a serious edge. Most was shot hand held but this is not overly noticeable as there is very little of the almost deliberate jerkiness that can be associated with this technique. Rather it allows the camera far more freedom of movement and the ability to achieve a beautiful precision in framing - full credit to Declan Quinn, the Director of Photography.

At a time when many of us are deterred from travelling beyond our own shores, Monsoon Wedding gives a meaningful insight into modern Indian culture - a culture which is obviously complex and dynamic and changing rapidly with the impact of technology and western values. I loved the colour, the movement, the compelling musical score and the fine and sensitive performances of all involved, particularly that of Naseeruddin Shah, playing the bride’s father.

Also worth singling out are Vijay Raaz as ‘Event Manager’ Dubey and Tilotama Shome as Alice, the housemaid. I ended up feeling part of this family rather than a detached observer.