What's Love Got To Do With It?

  • 01 Apr - 07 Apr, 2023
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Reviews

What if marrying a complete stranger isn't as terrifying as it sounds? Is passionate chemistry-fueled love the be-all and end-all of life? Is love required for marriage? How important is a deeper attraction in long-term relationships, given that peace outlasts passion? In a world of hook-ups and dating apps, what are the chances of meeting "the one" through an arranged marriage? Often perceived as outdated and archaic especially by westerners, could arranged marriage be the perfect solution to curb the growing menace of loneliness? "It's more of an assisted marriage these days," argues Kaz defending his decision to Zoe.

Shekhar Kapur's enchanting rom-com takes a sensitive and intimate look at the idea of marriage in the time of fleeting love, or perhaps love in the time of fading marriages, through the eyes of its protagonist Zoe. Jemima Khan's thoughtful storytelling, written by Kapur, does not set out to find answers. Its soul-searching narrative follows the flow of life and stumbles upon it along the way. Despite a rather predictable plot, the treatment elevates this film above the competition. Even if Zoe and Kaz try to convince themselves and each other otherwise, love is what keeps the world turning.

Kapur, known for crafting nuanced stories, intimately observes and analyses familial relationships beyond romance with a brilliant cast at his disposal. Getting to know someone goes beyond their professional and personal resumes. Shared values do not have to stem from a similar cultural background, religion, or language, but rather from shared beliefs and dreams.

The writing is laced with cheeky humour and pokes fun at society's patriarchal mindset, which normalises older men wanting younger brides. A matchmaker classifies single women over 30 as being in the same category as the specially abled, widowers, or those on the spectrum.

A touching conversation about loneliness takes place between a single mother (Emma Thompson) and her daughter (Lily James). Sajal Ali as always gives another great performance as young, polite, and winsomely beautiful Maymouna. Shazad Latif is superb in the role of a man torn between love and family. Shabana Azmi shines as a desi mother trying to keep her culture alive, but we wish there was more of her. When the action shifts to Lahore for the big fat desi wedding, the shenanigans become predictable and unimaginative. A white woman filming a desi wedding plays to the gallery and becomes a little formulaic. The climax, on the other hand, brings the rambling film back on track and ends on a positive note: true love does not force you to choose between peace and passion.

If you enjoy a thoughtful romcom, this one is a heartwarming exploration of the importance of love in marriage.

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