Film: What’s love got to do with it?
Cast: Lily James, Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi, Emma Thompson, Sajal Aly
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Rating: 2.5/5
Runtime: 107 mins

This cross-cultural romantic comedy which blends British and Bollywood styles marks the celebrated Director of films like Masoom, Mr India, Bandit Queen, and Elizabeth, Shekhar Kapur’s return to filmmaking after a ten-year hiatus. Written by Jemima Goldsmith whose tryst with Pakistani life (as the former wife of dashing cricketer turned Pakistani Premier Imran Khan), is well documented, the narrative marries Asian and western values in a vividly colorful jamboree of cultures, beliefs, customs, rituals, and emotions.

The screenplay, though fairly funny doesn`t completely commit to, nor realize the central conceit of a more nuanced and balanced exploration of ‘assisted’ marriage. Two childhood friends and next-door neighbors, Zoe (Lily James) an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and Kazim (Shazad Latif) a successful British-born Pakistani origin Doctor come to a fork in their relationship when Kaz’s family convinces him to go in for an arranged marriage. Zoe is quick enough to use that as an opportunity to give wings to a new documentary. But as the choosing and the ceremonies get going on and off camera, it becomes clear that there are undeclared emotions lurking in the two best friends` hearts.