Wild West

Pakistani Brit Zaf (Naveen Andrews) dreams of being a singing cowboy and leads a country western band. They find few fans in their own community. Zaf rescues Rifat (Sarita Choudhury) from her abusive husband. Eventually, she becomes their lead singer and they set off on a journey to find their American dream.

This is the earliest Naveen that I've seen, more than a decade before Lost. He's got charisma even before I realized that it was him. It's a simple music comedy from a specific minority. I would get rid of the gun play. It's cheap slapstick and it's distracting. The ear is morbidly funny. This has some fun and it's nice to see early Naveen Andrews.

This was such a great 90's film that featured country music. Only now in 2014 has the youth of Britain really got into country music. So this was ahead of its time (yes, I know another review already said that). The story felt so real because it was filmed in typical London suburbs where Indian, Jewish and Irish all live together. It could have been a fly on the wall documentary or reality item because it had that look and feel about it. I wonder why this is not shown on TV ever? Film 4, as far as I am aware, never show it. One issue is that the title "Wild West" has been given to so many film now that it can cause confusion. The excellent music included covers of Nanci Griffith and Steve Earle songs. I really cannot recommend this film highly enough.

Why cast Indians to play Pakistanis? They don't even look Pakistani. There've always been great Pakistani actors - award winning actors - around who should've been casted. This nonsense and laziness with respect to casting has to stop in Hollywood/Western films Not to mention this is offensive like years ago when whites were casted and "made up" to play Asians or "painted" black faces to play blacks - and they do it, and even get away with it, primarily because they know that most viewers are too ignorant to notice or care.

Uneven to say the least. Pretty much a "day in the life" type of movie. It kept my attention because it showed a sub-culture that I didn't have much knowledge of (English-Indian). Add in the offbeat touch of the main characters playing in county-western band and it gets pretty engaging. The music, by the way, was pretty good (but I'm no expert of C&W music). The problem was that things came and went in the story. The husband, the thugs, the jobs, all loosely connected and never really resolved. But, all in all, not a bad way to spend some time.

I agree with a comment made by the star, Naveen Andrews; the movie was ahead of its time. It is a funny and lovely film that really should be seen my more people who enjoy a good laugh and a nice storyline.

Each actor (and actress) gives a wonderful performance, and Naveen Andrews in particular knows how to deliver a good line and get the most from his scenes. Wonderful music skills are also shown off by Naveen. His skills, mixed with the songs added to the soundtrack by top country artists, give an authentic energy to the film. You really want to see these boys make it big.

Nods should also be given to Lalita Ahmed, for putting in a wonderful and hilarious performance as the boys over-protective, traditional Mother.