Aaja Mexico Challiye is a very diversified Indian drama. The film revolves around ambitious, dishonest and naive Parminder who dreams of immigrating to the United States of America. However, the organism that promises to make his dreams come true sends him onto an illegal route to the promised land. Parminder arrives in Ecuador where he meets other illegal immigrants such as a narcissistic Pakistani and a quiet woman from Iran who got expelled from her family. With the help of shady smugglers, the immigrants move through the jungles of Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. On their difficult journey, they have to resist attacks, disease, exhaustion, famine and thirst as their lives are going to be changing forever. Will Parminder and his new friends make it to the United States of America?
This movie convinces on numerous levels. First of all, the acting performances are truly memorable. Parminder's family members in particular are very energetic, faithful and severe as they try to support him but also warn him of possible dangers. The employees of the organism that plans illegal immigration are portrayed as being evasive, manipulative and shady. The smugglers are shown as aggressive and impatient but also as careful and organized. The leaders of the human traffickers are portrayed as being inhumane, menacing and violent. The different immigrants are shows as desperate, naive and resilient. Several characters of the latter category are quite memorable such as a petrified father of a young son, a quirky Indian immigrant who is considered an outcast and constantly made fun of and a weird survivor who joins the group and tries to get as much clothing, drinks and food from its members as possible.
This film also finds a dynamic mixture of many different genres. This movie is a drama because it portrays the difficult challenges that illegal immigrants have to face over a long period of time while criticizing the organizers, smugglers and traffickers behind them. It's also a comedy because the film features a lot of cool one-liners and memorable situation comedy portraying the different economic, religious and social backgrounds of the immigrants. The movie also turns into a tragedy as several immigrants are risking their lives far away from home to make it to a country where they are not even welcome. The ending of the movie leaves a particularly lasting impression.
The settings of the movie are perfectly chosen and provide an authentic vibe. One can observe simple but charming villages, shiny and fake business locations, small and isolated airports, dirty and simplistic camps as well as dangerous and dense vegetation with jungles, mountains and rivers. The lighting techniques provide some atmospheric depth to these locations as the movie meanders between depressing and hopeful moments.
On the other side, the movie also features a few lengths. Particularly the scenes in the protagonist's hometown and a few dancing and singing sequences don't fit in with the mood of the film and lead to an unnecessarily slow exposition. The film's conclusion will lead to controversial reactions. I thought that it was very fitting and left a lasting impression but other reviewers have expressed disappointment or even shock. Before watching this film, you should be aware that the topic it deals with is indeed very serious. This isn't supposed to be a movie that makes you feel good despite a few dancing choreographies and humorous scenes that might initially mislead you.
At the end of the day, Aaja Mexico Challiye is a diversified Indian drama that deserves much international acclaim, attention and recognition. The mixture of comedy, drama and tragedy should keep viewers on the edges of their seats and might lead to a few impressive surprises. This movie convinces with gripping story, stunning locations and intriguing characters. Just make sure to understand that this movie is indeed very serious and even sinister under its cover of humorous and joyful elements.
