They highlight the importance and togetherness.
Family films are a staple of fun and entertaining viewing.
The British film industry has mastered this form of storytelling in unforgettable ways.
One of the components of this is British cinema’s Asian films.
These movies can include Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi characters integrated into captivating storylines.
These films can leave an indelible imprint on the hearts of the audience.
DESIblitz presents six British Asian films you must watch with the family.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Stars: Parminder Nagra, Kiera Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Shaheen Khan, Anupam Kher
When it comes to British Asian films, Bend It Like Beckham often finds itself a pride of place in the lists of the audience.
Gurinder Chadha’s cult classic showcases the story of Jasminder ‘Jess’ Kaur Bhamra (Parminder Nagra).
Blessed with fantastic football skills, Jess must navigate the values of her traditional Indian family.
This is not easy, as it stands in the way of her dreams.
In one scene, she laments to her friend: “It’s out of order. Anything I want is not ‘Indian’ enough for [my parents].
“Why should I have to lie? It’s not like I’m sleeping around with anyone.”
Jess must also contend with her growing feelings for her Irish football coach – something she fears would never be accepted by her family.
Bend It Like Beckham is a testament to coming-of-age, ambitions, and determination.
It also has fantastic performances from actors including Kiera Knightley, Shaheen Khan, and Anupam Kher.
Over 20 years after its release, the film still holds a resonance for millions of fans.
For that, it is one of the best British Asian family films.
Bride and Prejudice (2004)
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Stars: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Martin Henderson, Daniel Gillies, Nadira Babbar
Continuing with the diverse work of Gurinder Chadha, we come to the romantic comedy Bride and Prejudice.
The film stars the loved Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Lalita Bakshi/Lalita Darcy.
In a loose adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, the film is a humorous take on warmth and love.
The film also capitalises on the love story between Lalita and William ‘Will’ Darcy (Martin Henderson).
Discussing her experience working with Gurinder, Aishwarya said:
“I think I was more excited than scared at the opportunity to work in an English movie and to work with Gurinder.
“I love her work, and I love her even more now.
“The instant we met, it was perfect – it seemed almost karmic.
“We got that vibe instantly in the first meetings and in the workshop that we did for a week before shooting commenced.”
That vibe is evident in every frame of Bride and Prejudice, making it a great film to watch with the family.
The Infidel (2010)
Director: Josh Appignanesi
Stars: Omid Djalilli, Yigal Naor, Matt Lucas, Amit Shah
Josh Appignanesi’s fabulous comedy, The Infidel, melds humour with identity.
It follows the story of Mahmud Nasir/Solomon ‘Solly’ Shimshillewitz (Omid Djalilli).
Mahmud lives a carefree life but must make improvements when his son presents a wish to marry his fiancee.
Later, Mahmud stumbles upon the truth that he was adopted as a baby.
This brings him to question his identity, later embarking on a path to development and self-discovery.
With the famed British actor Matt Lucas also joining the film as Rabbi, The Infidel strengthens its wit and joviality.
The impact of the film transcended the borders of the UK.
In 2015, The Infidel was remade in Bollywood as Dharam Sankat Mein.
This adaptation features Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah, and Annu Kapoor in lead roles.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Director: John Madden
Stars: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Dev Patel, Maggie Smith
This enthralling movie is helmed by John Madden, who directs a stunning ensemble cast.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel features actors including Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith.
Taking on the role of the hotel manager, Sonny Kapoor, Dev delivers a blinder of a performance.
His humour and warmth show his versatility and dynamism as Sonny fights for his girlfriend, Sunaina (Tina Desai).
Commenting on the film, Peter Travers opines: “With a lesser cast, the movie would be a lineup of TV-movie clichés.
“But this is a cast that never makes a false move.”
With a rib-tickling climax, the film is not only one of the best films of Dev Patel.
It is also unquestionably one of the funniest family films ever produced.
Little English (2022)
Director: Pravesh Kumar
Stars: Rameet Rauli, Viraj Juneja, Simon Rivers, Seema Bowri, Madhav Sharma
Little English premiered at the 2022 BFI London Indian Film Festival.
It is directed by Pravesh Kumar – a known name in the realm of theatre.
Raj (Simon Rivers) runs away shortly after his marriage to Simmy (Rameet Rauli) – a simple Indian girl who barely speaks English.
To keep up appearances, Simmy’s mother-in-law, Gurbaksh (Seema Bowri), confiscates her passport and locks her in the house.
However, Simmy turns her life around. She learns English from watching television and bonds with the family’s youngest son, Harry (Viraj Juneja).
Topped with an amazing and relatable performance by Rameet, Little English is a great film for family viewing.
What’s Love Got To Do With It? (2022)
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Stars: Lily James, Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi, Emma Thompson, Sajal Ali
This charming film introduces us to Zoe Stevenson (Lily James) and Kaz Khan (Shazad Latif).
Kaz and Zoe are best friends. Zoe is amused when Kaz expresses his interest in an arranged marriage.
Zoe makes a documentary about Kaz’s journey in which she films the family and process.
Kaz is fixed with a Pakistani girl named Maymouna (Sajal Ali). They travel to Lahore for the wedding.
However, this happy family is riddled with secrets and underlying tensions.
Meanwhile, Zoe grapples with her own insecurities of being single and not finding love.
This is underlined when she says: “I used to think that I was scared of being with the wrong person.
“But now I realise that I’m scared of being with the right person.”
Across its canvas of love and relationships, What’s Love Got To Do With It is a great entertainer that will also wring your hearts out.
British Asian family films contain some titles that are spellbinding and magical.
They highlight the importance and togetherness and value of bonds and relationships.
The aforementioned movies carry wonderful stories and charming characters.
They are perfect for a period to bond while watching the celluloid clans.
So, grab some snacks, snuggle up with your folks and embrace these family films.
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