Released on March 23, 2007, Namastey London is a romantic drama directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, along with supporting performances from Rishi Kapoor, Clive Standen, and Upen Patel. The story revolves around love, cultural clashes, and the beauty of Indian traditions.
With a mix of romance, humor, and emotions, Namastey London offers a refreshing take on East vs. West ideologies. Akshay Kumar’s performance, coupled with the soulful music by Himesh Reshammiya, makes this film a memorable experience. Let’s dive into the movie’s highlights, strengths, weaknesses, and box office performance.
Plot Summary
The film follows Jasmeet “Jazz” (Katrina Kaif), a modern British-Indian girl who is independent and loves the Western lifestyle. Her father, Manmohan (Rishi Kapoor), disapproves of her choices and takes her to India, where he arranges her marriage to Arjun (Akshay Kumar), a simple and traditional Punjabi man.
Despite the forced marriage, Jazz refuses to accept Arjun as her husband and returns to London, where she is set to marry her British boyfriend Charlie (Clive Standen). However, as the story unfolds, Jazz begins to understand the depth of Arjun’s love and the beauty of Indian traditions. Will she choose her heart over her head? The film explores love, identity, and cultural values in a lighthearted yet emotional manner.
What’s Good?
1. Akshay Kumar’s Performance
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his most heartfelt performances as Arjun. His character’s simplicity, loyalty, and unwavering love for Jazz make him instantly likable. His famous patriotic speech in the film remains one of the most impactful moments in Bollywood.
2. Katrina Kaif’s Charm
Katrina Kaif, as Jazz, brings glamour and confidence to her role. Her character’s journey from being rebellious to realizing the importance of love and family is portrayed beautifully.
3. Strong Direction and Cinematography
Vipul Shah does an excellent job of balancing romance, comedy, and emotions. The film’s scenic shots of London and Punjab create a striking contrast between Western and Indian cultures.
4. Soulful Music by Himesh Reshammiya
The film’s soundtrack is one of its strongest assets. Songs like “Tera Mera Milna”, “Main Jahaan Rahoon”, and “Viraaniya” add emotional depth to the story.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Beautiful storytelling that blends romance with cultural themes.
- Akshay Kumar’s stellar performance as the perfect Indian husband.
- Visually stunning locations in London and Punjab.
- A strong emotional connect with traditional Indian values.
Weaknesses:
- Predictable storyline, especially in the second half.
- Katrina Kaif’s acting limitations in emotional scenes.
- Supporting characters like Upen Patel’s role feel underdeveloped.
Target Audience
Namastey London is ideal for audiences who enjoy romantic dramas with cultural themes. The film will appeal to:
- Fans of Akshay Kumar who love his emotional performances.
- Viewers who enjoy romantic films with strong Indian values.
- Families looking for a clean, heartfelt movie.
- Audiences who appreciate music-driven Bollywood narratives.
Box Office Details
| Details | Figures (INR Crores) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 25 Crores |
| India Lifetime Collection | 38 Crores |
| Overseas Collection | 21 Crores |
| Worldwide Gross | 59 Crores |
Day-wise Box Office Collection (India & Overseas)
| Day | India Collection (Cr) | Overseas Collection (Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 4.2 | 2.0 |
| Day 2 | 5.6 | 2.8 |
| Day 3 | 6.1 | 3.1 |
| Day 4 | 5.5 | 2.9 |
| Day 5 | 4.8 | 2.7 |
The film performed moderately well at the box office, gaining popularity over time due to positive word-of-mouth and a strong overseas fan base.
Recommendation
Namastey London is a feel-good romantic drama with a strong cultural message. Akshay Kumar’s performance, beautiful music, and emotional storytelling make it a worthwhile watch. If you love romantic films with an Indian touch, this movie is a great choice!
