Namaste Wahala

"Namaste Wahala" is a very good film....and I wonder WHY it has a paltry rating of only 5.1 on IMDB. I just do not understand it. I have my theories...but don't want to get into conjecture. What I do know is that it's a lovely film...one that really hit me emotionally...and it's DEFINITELY a film to watch with a box of Kleenex nearby.

The story is filmed in Nigeria and it's about a very beautiful couple that you are bound to like. But there is a major obstacle in their way. Didi (Ini Dima Okojie) is Nigerian and Raj (Ruslaan Mumtaz) is Indian...and the film is about the uphill battle they both face with their parents. In both cases, the parents simply don't want their children marrying someone who isn't one of 'their people'.

In addition to this plot, there's a shocking subplot involving a friend of Didi who is assaulted by a brute of a man. And, since Didi is a lawyer, she's representing her friend in a lawsuit against the jerk. But, it turns out, her father and his law firm are representing the brutal jerk! This, combined with the ethnic/racial differences make life tough for Didi...as well as Raj.

As I watched the film, I think it was written well because the problems the couple face are things that can be blamed on everyone involved. Neither Raj nor Didi prepared their families for the prospect of a new in-law of a totally different background. And, as for the parents, it's obvious that they need to learn to look beyond race and ethinicity...and their own prejudices. It also seems to say that it's best to trust your beloved family...as in the end, they will usually do the right thing....so don't give up.

All in all, it's a very sweet and interesting film...one that didn't seem too heavy-handed or obvious...and one I recommend strongly. It's a good romance but it has plenty for everyone...if they give it a chance.

Despite seeing its low rating - I think, Namaste Wahala definitely deserves a 1 time watch for being something new and different. It's not the best produced by Netflix but still worthy to watch.

The film has its moments and the bones to be a good romcom.

The attempt to address racism and to merge Bolly- and Nollywood was commendable but the acting, the dialogue, the storyline all could have been slicker.

Ok, this movie wasn't a "great." There was a low budget feel, the acting and script were mediocre. Yet, interracial and intercultural romances, especially with non-European leads, need to be told. So, there wasn't a great love story here... you didn't fall in love with the characters because they were shallow; there were definite plot flaws (like why a character would take a certain opportunity offered at the end of the movie when it didn't correspond with previously stated goals and ideals.) The dancing was incredibly poor (serious actors take classes and study the art form to look at least passably convincing or hire a body double). But at least someone represented an intercultural love story, perhaps opened the way for discussion, understanding, curiosity, interest, between people of different backgrounds. So, I support this movie... and I'll forget about it entirely in a few days and never think of it again.

The only thing that I don't like about this movie is the way there was little or no interaction with the Nigerian or Indian environment.

Beautiful romantic movie.