KANDASAMYS: THE WEDDING will make you smile

The South African comedy sequel

THE successful 2019 South African comedy, which is now available on Netflix, is a sequel to hit 2017 film Keeping Up with the Kandasamys.

The first instalment was a sleeper hit revolving around warring neighbours, and the sequel picks up the story with their children planning a wedding after having fallen in love with each other. As the couple prepare for their big fat Indian wedding, the respective mothers are still squabbling with one another and have their own hidden agendas. Meanwhile, their altogether more chilled-out husbands are trying to stay away from any drama and there is a grandmother with a secret. Caught in the middle of all the commotion are two people who are very much in love.

The South African answer to hit 2001 Indian film Monsoon Wedding is a bright and breezy comedy, which is a lot better than it may initially appear. From the young couple to combative mothers and happy-go-lucky fathers, there are plenty of relatable characters in this English-language comedy. There are some funny scenes, including a hilarious moment where the grandma mistakes a G-string for a germ-protecting mask. There are solid performances from the entire cast and Maeshni Naicker is particularly good as the groom’s overbearing mother. It is also refreshing to see an Indian comedy in a different setting.

On the downside, however, plenty of opportunities were missed for even more comedy, additional conflict could have been added and there was scope for stronger character development. In comparison to really good English-language comedies set within south Asian families, this come across as a little lightweight and simplistic, but it does has enough comedy and relatable moments to keep you interested until the end.

That is why this wedding-set comedy is wellworth watching on Netflix, as it will definitely put a smile on your face.