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Kandasamys: The Wedding
Director: Jayan Moodley
Starring: Mishqah Parthiephal, Madhushan Singh
4/5
The sequel to the country’s highest-grossing locally made movie in 2017, Keeping Up with the Kandasamys, hit local theatres this weekend, and is set to be another showstopper.
Kandasamys: The Wedding picks up with the love-struck Prishen Naidoo (Madhushan Singh) and Jodi Kandasamy (Mishqah Parthiephal) a few years after they’ve completed their studies, and they’re a week away from celebrating their big fat Indian wedding. As expected, drama ensues.
The onscreen chemistry between the pair is remarkable, and it’s no wonder that fans got so attached to their characters.
Their overbearing mothers are up to their old tricks again – Jennifer Kandasamy and Shanti Naidoo, played by Jailoshini Naidoo and Maeshni Naicker, respectively, are intent on having things their way. Their husbands Preggie, played by newcomer Yugan Naidoo, and Elvis, played by Koobeshan Naidoo, are at pains to stay out of their children’s lives, but are forced to intervene when things intensify.
If you loved the character of the Mr Bean-like Arsevan in the first movie, you will surely enjoy more onscreen time with him as he comes on board as another love interest.
What was impressive about the first movie was that it introduced audiences to the Indian community in Chatsworth, Durban, and all the nuances that come with it.
The sequel takes it up a notch, with even more South African Indian humour mixed in with drama and family politics. The writers also took a bold step by including amusing one-liners that may make you cringe if you’re watching this with your parents – dirty jokes are not discussed with Indian parents – but it’s all in the name of fun.
The plot also thickens when the topic of domestic violence is introduced in a scene that is sure to induce waterworks in a few audience members.
Although we have seen an increase in discussions around domestic violence in South Africa, the subject is still not widely talked about in the Indian community, despite its prevalence.
This is one of the many reasons to applaud writers Jayan Moodley (who also directed) and Rory Booth.
The parallels between a traditional back-yard pre-wedding jol and a formal, catered function are also depicted, something that speaks to the current trends sweeping across the Indian community in South Africa.
Fans can also look forward to guest appearances from 5FM deejay Sureshnie Rider, who plays herself, as well as Uzalo actress Dawn Thandeka King.
The movie’s relevance in today’s South Africa couldn’t have come at a better time, and this sequel is also sure to be a hit. The fans will most likely beg for a third instalment – perhaps with the introduction of a baby?
Parthiephal will definitely make a stunning real-life bride one day if the scene that plays out on the Umhlanga pier is anything to go by.
