Released on March 23, 2007, Namastey London is a Bollywood romantic drama directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The movie stars Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Rishi Kapoor, and Upen Patel in pivotal roles. Known for its heartwarming story and cultural themes, the film explores the clash of Indian traditions with Western modernity. It’s a movie that blends humor, emotions, and romance seamlessly, making it a memorable watch for fans of Bollywood cinema.
Table of Contents
- Plot Summary
- What’s Good?
- Stellar Performances
- Direction and Screenplay
- Music and Background Score
- Cinematography and Locations
- Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Target Audience
- Box Office Details
- Budget and Earnings
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
- About the Author: Rampukar
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Jasmeet “Jazz” Malhotra (Katrina Kaif), a young woman born and raised in London, who struggles to balance her Indian heritage with her modern lifestyle. Her father, Manmohan Malhotra (Rishi Kapoor), is a traditionalist who wants her to marry an Indian man. Enter Arjun Singh (Akshay Kumar), a simple yet charming Punjabi farmer. The narrative takes the audience on a journey through cultural conflicts, love, and self-discovery. Without giving away spoilers, the film’s core lies in how Jazz and Arjun navigate their differences and find common ground.
What’s Good?
Stellar Performances
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his finest performances as Arjun Singh. His portrayal of a grounded, sincere man is both endearing and impactful. Katrina Kaif shines as Jazz, capturing the nuances of a young woman torn between two worlds. Rishi Kapoor’s role as a loving yet strict father adds depth to the story.
Direction and Screenplay
Vipul Shah’s direction is commendable. He manages to strike a balance between drama and light-hearted moments, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The screenplay is crisp, with well-timed humor and emotional sequences that resonate with viewers.
Music and Background Score
The music by Himesh Reshammiya is a major highlight of the film. Songs like “Chakna Chakna,” “Rafta Rafta,” and “Main Jahan Rahoon” are melodious and complement the narrative beautifully. The background score enhances the emotional depth of the scenes.
Cinematography and Locations
The film’s cinematography, by Jonathan Bloom, is visually stunning. From the vibrant fields of Punjab to the bustling streets of London, the locations are captured beautifully, adding authenticity to the story.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Cultural Themes: The movie’s exploration of identity and belonging strikes a chord with audiences, especially those with roots in two different cultures.
- Chemistry Between Leads: Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif’s on-screen chemistry is natural and engaging.
- Humor: The film’s comedic moments, particularly those involving Akshay Kumar, provide much-needed relief.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: While the story is heartwarming, it follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, especially for seasoned Bollywood viewers.
- Pacing Issues: Some portions of the film feel stretched, particularly in the second half.
- Supporting Characters: Certain side characters, like Imran (Upen Patel), could have been better developed to add more depth to the narrative.
Target Audience
Namastey London is perfect for audiences who enjoy romantic dramas with cultural themes. Families, diaspora Indians, and fans of Akshay Kumar or Katrina Kaif will find the movie especially appealing. It’s also a great pick for those who appreciate light-hearted films with emotional undertones.
Box Office Details
Budget and Earnings
The movie was made on a budget of approximately INR 30 crores. It was a commercial success, grossing around INR 117 crores worldwide.
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
- Day 1: INR 4.2 crores (India), INR 1.5 crores (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 5.5 crores (India), INR 2 crores (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 6.8 crores (India), INR 2.5 crores (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 3.9 crores (India), INR 1.2 crores (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 3.6 crores (India), INR 1.1 crores (Overseas)
The steady earnings reflect the movie’s strong word-of-mouth appeal and audience appreciation.
Recommendation
Namastey London is a delightful watch that celebrates love and cultural diversity. While it has its flaws, the film’s heartwarming narrative and strong performances make it worth watching. If you’re looking for a movie that’s entertaining and emotionally satisfying, this one’s for you.
Genres:
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rating:
6.153/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Akshay Kumar | Arjun Ballu Singh |
| Katrina Kaif | Jasmeet ‘Jazz’ M. Malhotra |
| Rishi Kapoor | Manmohan Malhotra |
| Clive Standen | Charles ‘Charlie’ Brown |
| Upen Patel | Imran ‘Immi’ P. Khan |
| Javed Sheikh | Parvez Khan |
| Tiffany Mulheron | Susan |
| Ritesh Deshmukh | Bobby Bedi |
| Nina Wadia | Bebo M. Malhotra |
| Shaana Diya | Laila |
| Vir Das | Prospective Groom No. 1 |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
