Namaste England Review: The Arjun Parineeti Film Lacks Impact And Performances Alike, But Is Killed By Predictability
It is hard to articulate what you feel about Namaste England especially after knowing that it is a follow up of a film like Namastey London that left you feeling good overall. But putting the hangover of Nasamtey London aside as well, Namaste London is not worth your time. We lauded Arjun and Parineeti for their chemistry and performances when they came together for the first time in Ishqzaade and if that is the basis to book a ticket for the earliest show of Namaste England, then do not be surprised when finding all of that and much more missing.
Namaste England is the story set in Punjab of Param ( Arjun Kapoor ) and Jasmeet( Parineeti Chopra ). Like every love story they meet, fall in love remarkably quickly and then Jasmeet’s family finds out that she is doing a job. Being conservative and truly against her career because she is a woman, they get her married to Param with only one condition that she will not work after marriage. Meanwhile, on their wedding day, Param has a falling out with a friend who ensures that he is never able to set foot outside the country thanks to his well connected father. Now Param cannot leave the country while all that Jasmeet wants she can only get by moving outside the country (or so she thinks). Cutting the long story (really long) short, Jasmeet leaves for London in the want to bring Param to join her one day. Not being able to live without her he follows her there illegally and wants to change her heart. Now, if he succeeds or not is nothing that you cannot conclude.
Namaste England feels excruciating long just by the end of the first half that plays out entirely in India. The second half is where all the action is and feels slightly short but don’t get your hopes high. Reigning on a moral high ground Param seems to be the Indian ambassador who needs to set an example for all people who entire want to discover life outside India or who are already there. By the end of the film you definitely feel that you would have to write him an apology note even before planning a trip to London let alone if you want to settle there ( a reminder that back in India he was more than happy to settle with Jasmeet in London only if he could get a visa legally)!
Nothing going further on the glaring loop holes of the story that leaves you with tonnes of questions, the film lacks romance and chemistry, there would be a few spurts of laughter in the first half but don’t count on it too long. The music does nothing to make the film at least tolerable but is at least not misplaced. Performances are average and the movie overall is way below average. Vipul Shah as a director fails to recreate the same magic as Namastey London especially given that the film has practically no difference in story (this one is much more confused) or conclusion.
To sum it up, the film lacks any impact even where it tries (or wants) to make a point and believability. If you just want a watch a better version of it go back to Namastey London.
