LITTLE ENGLISH British comedy features stunning lead performance
THE British Asian comedy had a UK premiere at the recent London Indian Film Festival.
The film adaptation of acclaimed theatre play There’s Something About Simmy revolves around a newly arrived girl from India, who has come to marry the eldest son of a West London based Punjabi family. When he runs away, she is stuck with a dysfunctional family that includes an overbearing mother-in-law determined to keep her locked away and a rebellious brother-in-law she develops an unexpected bond with. Secrets soon emerge and the Punjabi girl unable to speak English properly has to become her own hero.
Acclaimed British theatre maestro Pravesh Kumar makes an accomplished film directorial debut with an interesting comedy, injected with emotion, relatable characters, and an engaging story. The simple fish-out-of-water story flows freely, as we get a window into a family battling with different personal challenges, with an outsider from India looking in. There are great one-liners, laugh-outloud moments and lovely musical breaks that make up for the obviously low budget.
Perhaps the biggest positive is an accomplished lead performance from Rameet Rauli as Simmy. The talented young actress delivers a simply sublime performance where she mixes up languages, including pitch-perfect Punjabi with great comic timing and moments of genuine emotion. Viraj Juneja has good screen presence as the troubled younger son, who starts falling for the girl betrothed to his big brother, and Goldy Notay is brilliant as the neurotic sister.
The only minor blips are the messy jewellery heist section, which looks out of place, and a few ropey Indian accents. There was perhaps scope to develop the elder’s sub-plot. That doesn’t take away from a fabulously crafted family drama filled with funny moments and a simply stunning turn from the lead actress.