No method in this madness

Gurnaaz Kaur

The second installment in the Manje Bistre series is also set up in the backdrop of a traditional wedding; just, this time the scene shifts to Canada and so does the madness. It may be categorised as a romantic comedy but it is a pantomime in every sense. Right from the word go there are hardly dialogues but slapstick humour. This can be a plus point for those who watch a movie for its jocularity but those who seek a storyline may feel disappointed. 

The wedding in this one takes place in Canada because Ganda wants to get married in the country he was born. He does face opposition by his grandfather who wants him to get married in Punjab as that’s where all the rituals are followed. The two reach a consensus as Ganda promises all the Punjabi traditions and rituals will be done in Canada, thus bringing an entire family of witty characters together. 

In the hurly-burly of wedding preparations, Sukhi (played by Gippy Grewal), Ganda’s cousin, falls in love with Rano (Simi Chahal). 

More than traditions, the film exhibits the lifestyle of Punjabis, which unlike reality, is a lot about desi daru, murga and bhang. In the villages of Punjab the house that hosts a wedding follows the ritual of collecting beds and beddings from neighbourhood.

This is from where the film gets its title and the Punjabi family brings the practice to Canada with much pride. Karamjit Anmol plays a nagging Baapu Ji really well. Gippy and Simi look good together, even though their romance is spread here and there in the film. The other supporting actors have also done a good job. As a group, it’s their comic timing, which is the plus and minus of this film. While Canada gets painted in the vibrant colours of big fat Punjabi wedding, the viewers may feel the previous Manje Bistre was a better show.

gurnaaz@tribunemail.com