West Side Sari

This charming if straight-faced story of a conservative Indian mother (Sridevi) belittled by her husband and daughter, who comes to New York to assist in her niece’s wedding and decides to learn English, might also have been called Bollywood for Beginners. Featuring the requisite components of a slightly stereotypical assortment of fellow students, simple morality and a singing-dancing wedding, it brings these neatly together without over-emphasising its chief interest: good old self-respect.

English Vinglish (Englisch für Anfänger) | Directed by Gauri Shinde (India 2012) with Sridevi, Adil Hussain, Medhi Nebbou. Starts June 27.

Originally published in Issue #117, June 2013.