Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the movie, NAMASTE WAHALA.
This movie was released on February 14, 2021. The movie is really interesting and funny. It has a great story line. When you begin watching the movie, trust me, you wouldn’t want to take your eyes of the screen until the end. It’s really engaging!
I love the plot, and characters. The lead actress, Ini Dina-Okojie, really did well. She played Chidinma, a lawyer fighting for the rights of women victims of molestation. Her passion and zeal expressed in the way she fought to win her cases was so real. She was not one to ever give up. I also love the role of lead actor Ruslaan Mumtaz, he played Raj and did it so well. Aa an Indian guy who falls in love with a Nigerian girl, he didn’t look back. He stood his ground and fought for his love. Their chemistry was strong despite differences in culture. Both characters were good friends, and it was admirable. Koye K10 Kereke Ekun and ANEE ICHA are extremely lively characters in supporting roles; they expressed their true selves and were truly funny. They played reliable and loyal friends.
The reaction of both parents – particularly Chidinma’s father played by the popular Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) – was not unexpected. As an Igbo father, it’s hard to swallow the reality that his first and only daughter and child would go outside of the Igbo people to find a husband. Not just another Nigerian tribe, but an Indian man! It is really hard but you when love is involved, strong love, everything tends to fall in place. Chidinma’s mum was played by the seasoned Joke Silva. She was truly amazing. As a mother, she understood what her daughter was going through. Though she saw that Chidinma was in love with someone they wouldn’t have chosen for her, but I admire the fact that she supported Chidinma all the way through. Raj’s mum also did very well. Her role bought out the doting Indian mum that she is. The first time we met her was with the local Nigerian taxicab driver, Brother Shaggi. That scene was just too much! Brother Shaggi indeed needs to win an award for that role.
I love the maturity of Somto, played by Ibrahim Suleiman. Chidinma’s dad was hoping and pushing his daughter to marry Somto. When Chidinma totally refused, Somto just stepped aside and did not force it or push it further,believing that if it’s meant to be, it will be. I admire Somto’s role and big heartedness. He even attended the wedding of Chidinma to Raj. That was so nice. At several times in the movie, I felt like Preemo (played by Osas Ighodaro) deserved a slap. I mean, it was just obvious that she wanted to oversee Chidimma’s father’s firm. I know it’s good and admirable to aspire to greatness, but the way she was going about it was simply annoying to watch. She knew her client was wrong and went as far as concealing the evidence and all! She went too far! I am sorry she lost her job but in a way, she deserved it.
The movie is extremely funny and happy. I loved the marriage ceremony. Chidinma’s dress was beautiful, well-fitting, and stylish. The dancing and how everyone blended with both cultures was beautiful. I liked the ending scene where Raj’s mum and Chidinma’s father were discussing bride pride. It was both funny and poignant, reflectingthe practical complications of culture clashes. Who would be paying the dowry? The man’s family or the bride’s family?
Conflicts were bound to arise between both families, between father and daughter, between father and mother, between mother and Son, etc. The disagreements peaked in intensity particularly when Chidinma moved into Raj’s house. I’d like to say that I did like how Raj’s mum spoke to Chidinma’s dad. Someone needed to talk some sense into him and steer him away from his prejudices. She was bold. I really did not see that coming. It was good though.
I don’t think there were any low points for me in the movie. This movie was amazing; funny, great story line, and morals. The quality of the movie is great, the cast and crew did wonderfully well, I was happy to see MI as well – the theme song was very good and had morals to learn from. I hope it gets nominated for an award. I throw away salute to the director, Hamisha Daryani Ahuja. She did great! Others – the producer, the scriptwriter, whoever conceived the thought of writing it, the whole story, I salute you all. Please everyone one should go see NAMASTE WAHALA!
We can’t really tell how or where we will find true love...