Review of Patiala House (2011) by Faisal K — 25 Feb 2011

At Patiala House lives the Kahlon family ruled by Bauji (Rishi Kapoor). They follow his diktats as he tries to hold onto his 'Indian values' in the land of the 'goras'. The younger generation at the Patiala House wants to assert themselves and follow their dreams but are held back by their respect and love for Bauji and the shining example of Bauji's eldest son, Parghat Singh Kahlon aka Gattu (Akshay Kumar). Gattu gave up his dream at the altar of Bauji's biases. His reward: For the last 17 years he has opened the corner store across the tube station. He will tend to his customers, hear the neighbourhood boys playing cricket in the back alley. He will remember a dream that could have become a reality and watch his father rule a house, a family, a community like he has for the last 25 years. He will silently tolerate the snide remarks and insults passed by a younger generation. He will understand the bitterness of his siblings and identify with their shattered dreams. Then he will participate to bring forth a change. He will finally summon the courage to challenge his father and start a movement that will shake the very foundations of Patiala House. Will Bauji loosen his hold and let the youngsters find their own dreams instead of following his? Will Gattu get a second chance to live his life? What's more important: family or dreams? And why must we choose one over the other. 'Patiala House' has been inspired by England cricket team's Sikh member Monty Singh Panesar. Panesar is the first Sikh to join England cricket team and the spinner is a crowd favorite.

Well honestly, I was looking forward to this Bollywood movie. it seemed like a very different movie to watch other than all the usual Akshay's silly comedy stuffs so I was waiting for ti and also thew director, though he is not a good director because his every film sucked except one. still I wanted to give this pair of Akshay and Nikhil another chance. and yes they finally did it. Boy this movie was superb.

The movie is very serious and quite emotional, I actually cried alot towards the end and felt really bad for Akshay's character. the movie has some funny moments which are very sweet and doesn't spoil the mood of the movie, nor the seriousness spoils the comic parts of the movie.

Screenplay of this movie is good but could have been slightly more tighter and well written but its not so bad. direction I must admit is above average could have been better. editing is good, I must say the cricket part wasn't shown well seriously the live action and then the use of VFX didn't quit match up which is sad. cinematography, art direction is good. since it is an Indian movie, Music, yes, Shankar Ehsaan Loy are always good at their job, music is good. romantic, enchanting, dance numbers, love it.

Akshay Kumar was superb in this movie, I really appreciate his effort. but all of the character he plays to me they feel the same, he is in a comedy movie his character is very ''bechara '' type and ofcourse in serious too. but that is not a big thing. Anushka Sharma is a real beauty, my God she is the most beautiful actress after Aishwariya rai in bollywood right now. she was good too, she is a talented soul, better than all the new comer actresses seriously. YRF has eye for talent, since the gave her the Debut film. well I must say the supporting cast was shockingly amazing man those two girls, one with the glasses and the pregnant one, they were so good. brilliant. and ofcourse everyone knows Hardkaur. she was good too. and yes the mummy the dear dearest sweet my favorite Dimple Kapadia, she made me cry reminding me of my Mom. I love her she is so excellent playing the mom part. and yes the strict Dad played by Rishi kapoor. he was outstanding. man acting wise a good movie.

Story of this movie really moved me, plot was excellent. extremely entertaining and highly enjoyable. it is a compelling movie t watch. loved every bit of this movie. Must Watch.