Namaste Wahala

Despite seeing its low rating - I think, Namaste Wahala definitely deserves a 1 time watch for being something new and different. It's not the best produced by Netflix but still worthy to watch.

Ok, this movie wasn't a "great." There was a low budget feel, the acting and script were mediocre. Yet, interracial and intercultural romances, especially with non-European leads, need to be told. So, there wasn't a great love story here... you didn't fall in love with the characters because they were shallow; there were definite plot flaws (like why a character would take a certain opportunity offered at the end of the movie when it didn't correspond with previously stated goals and ideals.) The dancing was incredibly poor (serious actors take classes and study the art form to look at least passably convincing or hire a body double). But at least someone represented an intercultural love story, perhaps opened the way for discussion, understanding, curiosity, interest, between people of different backgrounds. So, I support this movie... and I'll forget about it entirely in a few days and never think of it again.

"Namaste Wahala" is a very good film....and I wonder WHY it has a paltry rating of only 5.1 on IMDB. I just do not understand it. I have my theories...but don't want to get into conjecture. What I do know is that it's a lovely film...one that really hit me emotionally...and it's DEFINITELY a film to watch with a box of Kleenex nearby.

The story is filmed in Nigeria and it's about a very beautiful couple that you are bound to like. But there is a major obstacle in their way. Didi (Ini Dima Okojie) is Nigerian and Raj (Ruslaan Mumtaz) is Indian...and the film is about the uphill battle they both face with their parents. In both cases, the parents simply don't want their children marrying someone who isn't one of 'their people'.

In addition to this plot, there's a shocking subplot involving a friend of Didi who is assaulted by a brute of a man. And, since Didi is a lawyer, she's representing her friend in a lawsuit against the jerk. But, it turns out, her father and his law firm are representing the brutal jerk! This, combined with the ethnic/racial differences make life tough for Didi...as well as Raj.

As I watched the film, I think it was written well because the problems the couple face are things that can be blamed on everyone involved. Neither Raj nor Didi prepared their families for the prospect of a new in-law of a totally different background. And, as for the parents, it's obvious that they need to learn to look beyond race and ethinicity...and their own prejudices. It also seems to say that it's best to trust your beloved family...as in the end, they will usually do the right thing....so don't give up.

All in all, it's a very sweet and interesting film...one that didn't seem too heavy-handed or obvious...and one I recommend strongly. It's a good romance but it has plenty for everyone...if they give it a chance.

Take out the Nigeria/India culture part away (there nothing enlightening in the movie about either cultures to begin with) and it is absolute trash. The hero and heroine bump into each other while jogging in slow-mo at the beach, and fall in love. 1985 Bollywood called, they want their script back. Or, think of a movie that Karan Johar would produce, only make it hella cheesy and bad. The director (Indian, who apparently grew up in Nigeria all her life, also cameos in the movie) only seems to have overplayed all sorts of stereotypes, at least the Indian ones for sure. The Nigerian family isn't okay with an Indian groom, the Indian family isn't okay with a Nigerian wife. The director lady shows up and says "People from other cultures are epic too" and all the parents are okay with it? Like "I'm depressed" Friend: "Don't be". Me: "Oh wow! My depression is gone! Thank you so much!" It's like she decided to make a movie around that one line and didn't care how bad it was as long as the line made it in. The dialogue between the mothers was cringe-worthy. Failed opportunity for Women's Empowerment: The movie shows the Nigerian dad is upset that his daughter can't (?) look after his law firm and wants her to marry a Nigerian lawyer dude who'll take care of it. The daughter then solves newbie case, with some evidence (that a 15 yr-old would know to get) that her boyfriend requests from another dude because they're bros. So she's bad lawyer to begin with? You could have shown her do the job, but no! Had to get the dudes involved. And then, towards the end, you go on to say how epic of a lawyer she is based on this one case and how she should her dad's law firm? The other villain lady was a better fit to run the company IMO All that said and done, there's FINALLY a cultural exchange between the Indian mom and the Nigerian dad. Indian mom, supposedly progressive, asks for Dowry, "Pay me because my son married your daughter" she says. A woman, in 2021, asking for dowry - in a movie supposedly about cultural learning and feminism. WTH? The dad says "No you're supposed to pay me because you're taking my daughter away" The director, also a woman, couldn't find ANYTHING else to show from both the cultures? *smh* I can go on but that would be a waste of time. Was hoping to learn more about Nigeria and that people would learn about India. But noooo. Trash movie.

I appreciated the integration of the races as well as the integration of the cultures and lifestyles. The reality of how most parents and families react towards interracial marriage was well captured. The chat between the director"Leela" and Raj's mum pointed at things people should consider before allowing differences in race and culture to consume our thoughts. It could have been a bit more profound though. Loved the behind the scenes, the mix of races dancing and bonding was lovely. This movie should be projected in communities where there is racial divide. Congrats to the cast and crew.