Local film a hit
IT’S a hit!
That’s the unanimous verdict of cinema-goers who think Keeping up with the Kandasamys is up there with some of the best international movies.
It raked in R1.6 million at the box office on opening weekend (March 3), with an attendance of nearly 30 000 people. The film opened at Number 3 on the Top 10 after Logan: The Wolverine and Fifty Shades Darker.
POST canvassed opinions after two packed theatres at Ster-Kinekor Gateway began emptying after the movie’s opening night on Friday.
Angie Subramoney, 57, from Mount Edgecombe described the movie, which is set in Chatsworth, as “excellent”.
“It was very comical. The movie portrayed a lot about local Indian culture and shows why parents should not get too involved in their children’s lives. The story was nice and it was good to see locals make a movie this great.”
Breyton Naidoo, 14. “It was a good laugh and it gave me a heads-up on what my parents might do to me.”
The Durban North resident said it was a funny movie and compared to other locally produced movies, it gave a better understanding of what the Indian community is all about.
“I really do think a movie like this could compete with internationally made movies.”
Kimberley Naidoo, 22, from Phoenix described the film as “one of the best interpretations of Indian culture”.
“The screenplay and cinematography was on an international level. My favourite character was Jodie. I think the emotional scene she played was portrayed very well.”
Campbells Town resident, Nelson Govender, 59 said: “The actors were very good and I enjoyed the Indian theme. The writers and directors made a phenomenal storyline and I loved how the sound and music just complemented what had happened in the picture.”
Malie Govender, 54, also from Campbells Town, was thrilled to see locals put together a movie, which she described as “exceptional”.
“It was lovely to see a movie that was shot in my hometown. It really made me proud to be Indian. And being Indian I understand, at times, why parents just have to get involved in their children’s lives. It’s only because we want what’s best for them always, and we’ll do everything in our capacity to give them the best and protect them.
“And I must say Jailoshini Naidoo did an amazing job.”
Woodview resident Nashwin Maharaj, 35 said: “The movie was just brilliant. The quality of the movie was excellent, good storyline and all-around amazing.”
Maharaj said that while discussing it with his family they tried to compare it to other locally made films and agreed it could compete on an international level. “From start to end it was a good laugh. There was good drama and action. Almost like a Bollywood movie.”
Glenton Naidoo, 43, from Durban North: “It was an absolutely fantastic movie. Very relevant to current times in the Indian community. I grew up in Phoenix so I could relate to what was happening in the movie.”
He described the cinematography as “amazing”.
“Well done to everyone who worked on that movie, they did a fantastic job. It was so good for a family laugh. We’ve had our parents meddle in our relationships too, but that’s what Indian parents do. They are protective over their children and sometimes they cross the line.”
Keeping up with the Kandasamys was produced by the award-winning duo, Helena Spring and Junaid Ahmed (who passed away in November).
“Seeing the feel-good impact of Keeping up with the Kandasamys on audiences, as it celebrates family values with humour and laughter, has been a wonderful experience and I’m both thrilled and thankful for the tremendous support cinema-goers are giving the film,” said Spring.
“Even though the film celebrates Indian culture and identity, the characters remain relatable across all racial and cultural lines, connecting with the audiences own familial experiences.”
The movie was directed by Durban film-maker Jayan Moodley ( White Gold) and co-written by Moodley and Rory Booth.