Namaste London is an adaptation to Manoj Kumar’s most likeable movie “Purab aur Paschim” with a some similarities from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke sanam”.Similarities apart, NAMASTEY LONDON stands proudly on its feet!On the whole the film is a great entertainer.After attempting diverse themes such as AANKHEN and WAQT – THE RACE AGAINST TIME, Vipul Amrutlal Shah attempts a love story with panache. But let’s not mistake NAMASTEY LONDON to be one of those candyfloss entertainers that makers/writers have visited and re-visited over and over again. Vipul Amrutlal Shah and writer Suresh Nair blend romance, drama and humor in right proportions and the outcome is a delicacy that whets your appetite. Plenty of things works for this movie.
NAMASTEY LONDON is not one of those usual romantic films. The clash of cultures, the widening gap between parents and kids, also racism - judging someone by the color of the skin - NAMASTEY LONDON tackles it all. At the same time, it evokes patriotic feelings at vital points in the story.The engagement ceremony - when Akshay gives it back to the arrogant Englishman - deserves brownie points and also an ovation. Besides, when the Indians/Pakistanis win the game of Rugby against the goras, your joy knows no bounds. The game involves you, you feel as if you were one among those cheering for the Indians/Pakistanis.
NAMASTEY LONDON abounds in humorous moments. The entire ‘Bharat Darshan’ track, starting with Rishi Kapoor interviewing the prospective grooms, and also Rishi’s large Punjabi khandaan [especially Bebe], tickle your funny bone. In fact, the Bebe-Katrina interaction is truly funny!There’s an undercurrent of tension beneath the cool exterior. Katrina’s volte-face minutes before the intermission hits you like a ton of bricks. In the second hour, Akshay’s simple strategy to win back Katrina is very believable. The reason why this character works is because the guy never indulges in any herogiri or adopts any illogical steps to woo her back. He loves her unconditionally and that’s his ‘weapon’ to crush the gora rival, who happens to be Katrina’s lover.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah impressed you in his directorial debut AANKHEN. With WAQT, he climbed the ladder. Now, with NAMASTEY LONDON, it’s a leap. In fact, NAMASTEY LONDON is his most accomplished work so far. Love stories are done to death in Bollywood and no matter how different you claim your film is, comparisons with the successful films of yore are inevitable. Despite that, NAMASTEY LONDON retains its individuality!To sum up, NAMASTEY LONDON is addictive stuff. You watch it once, you wanna watch it again!Himesh Reshammiya’s music is excellent. The tunes come instantly on your lips and what elevates the songs are its picturization. If you felt Akshay Kumar was getting typecast in comic roles in film after film, you need to watch him in NAMASTEY LONDON. One of his finest performances so far.
Katrina is a revelation. The actor surprised you with a confident performance in HUMKO DEEWANA KAR GAYE and now, in NAMASTEY LONDON, she comes up with a spirited performance yet again. Rishi Kapoor is in terrific form. Upen Patel is highly competent. The actor has a substantial role which he carries off skillfully. Ritesh Deshmukh [sp. app.] is wonderful. Say namaste to NAMASTEY LONDON, a complete family entertainer. Strongly recommended by me.