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BOLLYWOOD/HOLLYWOOD - (Reviewed By Rupa Nandha)

Director: Deepa Mehta
Producer: Camelia Frieberg
Music: Sandeep Chowta
Starring: Lisa Ray, Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna

RATING: 5/10

Deepa Mehta who is more renowned for her bold films such as Fire and Earth, opts for light hearted romantic comedy in Bollywood/Hollywood. It tells a formulaic love story, relying heavily on the Pretty Woman theme. The film, set in Canada, opens up with a young Rahul sat at his father's deathbed. He tells Rahul that he must take over the family business and bring home an Indian bride when the time is right. Rahul swears that he will fulfil his father's wishes the moment he passes on. Flash forward 8 years; Rahul (Rahul Khanna) is a highflying business tycoon. He is also in a serious relationship with Kimberly, a Hollywood star, but she's not Indian.

Rahul decides to tell his mother (Moushumi Chatterjee) and his Grandma (Dina Pathak) but to no avail when Kimberly dies in a freak meditation accident. Rahul is left heartbroken and to further his anxiety his mother informs him that if he fails to bring home an Indian girl, his sister's wedding is off. Rahul is at first bemused his mother's blackmail attempt, but when he learns his sister is pregnant, it leaves him with no choice. Rahul decides to drown his sorrows at a club/bar, and this is where he meets Sue (Lisa Ray). At first Rahul is reluctant to talk to a woman who was trying to pick him up, but he is quick to realise that Sue could be the answer to his predicament. He suggests to Sue that until his sister is married, she is to pose as his fiancé in exchange for a large amount of money. After some convincing Sue accepts the deal.

Sue is welcomed into the family with open arms, making a small but rewarding impact on each family member; she boosts confidence into Rahul's geeky brother, and she gets Rahul's Grandma to dance after many years. The whole family is in love with Sue and slowly but surely Rahul begins to fall for Sue also. Sue too is falling for Rahul but she is holding back a few home truths and the inevitable happens when Sue's real identity is revealed.

Though the story that is at the heart of this film has been told endless times in Bollywood cinema, one of the few things that keeps the film together is the presence of Lisa Ray. She plays her role with panache; she's radiant and full of life, living and breathing the character of Sue in a simplistic yet admirable way. Rahul Khanna's character is flawed from the start; where the character as a young boy has a strong Canadian accent, as a young man he sounds like an Indian trying to sound Canadian. However, he pulls off this uncomplicated character with ease. Moushumi Chatterjee is a little over the top at times and goes from being funny to a little annoying. Dina Pathak provides some fun moments, Akshaye Khanna's appearance leaves little impact, and the rest of the supporting cast are above average.

Bollywood/Hollywood is entertaining in places and has some funny moments, but lacks repeat value and originality. The film is slated to release nationwide in the UK on February 14th, next year, but will release as "A Suitable Bride".

RELEASE DATE: 14th February 2003

REVIEWED BY RUPA NANDHA