There are rare films that defy the conventional stereotypes of critically acclaimed and intellectually challenging films, while still surpassing those expectations. "Monsoon Wedding" is one such film. It is a soaring experience which leaves the audience on an absolute high, yet deals with a topic as universal and simple as family.
"Monsoon Wedding" is the latest film from Indian-born director Mira Nair, whose credits include the Academy Award-nominated "Salaam Bombay" as well as the visually stunning art-house success, "Kama Sutra." Unlike her previous films, "Monsoon Wedding" is a universally appealing and touching look at family and culture in modern India. This Golden Globe-nominated film is set during the chaotic days leading up to an extravagant traditional wedding and interweaves five separate stories into a seamless fabric of family politics, relationships and cultural identity.
Indian film legend Naseeruddin Shah stars as Lalit Verma, the family patriarch occupied with the financial burdens and emotional repercussions of losing his only daughter. As he attempts to finance and organize the wedding, his daughter Aditi (Varundha Das) questions her impending arranged marriage and finds herself drawn back into a former affair. Meanwhile, family from around the world and the American-Indian groom himself descend on the Verma home, bringing multiple views and experiences to the story.
Layering various experiences and tribulations into one fluid narrative, "Monsoon Wedding" creates a truly ensemble piece. The film stars numerous other recognizable faces in Indian cinema, as well as several members of Nair's own family, which plays a key role in giving the film a real sense of intimacy and approachability. In addition to the cast, the use of a hand-held camera and a 30-day shooting schedule ground the film in reality and avoid the pretense of high budget Hollywood films.
But the greatest strength of the film lies in the authenticity and sincerity with which Nair depicts her native culture. Setting out to expose Western audiences to not only the far-reaching effects of globalization, but more importantly universal commonalties in values and family issues, Nair has made a film that is distinctly Indian yet surprisingly familiar. Her abilities as a filmmaker shine through in the seamless direction and pacing of the film, taking the audience through the entire wedding preparations and dealing with the endless array of conflicts that arise. But by subtly dealing with issues of social class, sexuality and abuse, Nair prevents her film from becoming a trite attempt to raise the social conscience about Indian society. Instead, "Monsoon Wedding" is a celebration of India and family and seeks to shed positive light on various aspects of a distinctively multi-faceted society.
The film is set in modern-day Delhi in the state of Punjab, a region known for its boisterous and extravagant way of life. Nair has expressed how it was this love of life she wished to capture in her film and share with audiences around the world. Succeeding brilliantly, each frame is filled with rich colors and a pulsating vibrancy characteristic of the region. Set to music that equally reflects this sense of celebration and life, the film exudes passion and sensuality.
Both international and American audiences love this film - a clear indication that "Monsoon Wedding" is not setting out to "orientalize" the East for Western consumption. Rather, it's a film that remains true to its cultural roots while still offering a universally uplifting experience.
Whether it is the moving documentary-style scenes of Indian streets interspersed throughout the film or the uplifting and joyous ending, there is a great deal to love about "Monsoon Wedding." We are fortunate to have this film playing in Charlottesville, and it would be a disservice to yourself to miss the experience.
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