Starring: Aishwarya Rai, Vartin.Henderson,Nadira Babbar, Nitin Ganatra, Naveen Andrews. Director: Gurinder Chadhat.

This movie is a wonderful Indian version of Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, with plenty of new, inventive twists to add to our fascination with Jane Austen. Furthermore, this show had Aishwarya Rai, who was Miss India/Miss Universe in 1994. She has these gorgeous eyes and is a talented actress as well! Her male acting partner was amazing! Of course, Martin Henderson was good-looking, and I have a bias toward anyone playing the "Darcy" character, but the chemistry he had with Rai is electrical. They are such a witty couple and the following is my favorite interchange between the sparring team:

Lalita Bakshi: I thought we got rid of imperialists like you!
Will Darcy: I'm not British, I'm American.
Lalita Bakshi: Exactly!

-The stars are great. Yet, it's the supporting cast that makes this movie truly worthwhile! The crazy mother character is played by the laughable Nadira Babbar. Although she is not my favorite version of this wacky character, she still has many good lines, particularly the following:

Mrs. Bakshi: I will end up living in that rotten house, full of spinsters with no grandchildren.

Finally, who could forget the comical character, who practically steals the show with every scene that he is in. Nitin Ganatra plays a snort-worthy character as he demonstartes his warm-up exercises and his goofy facial expressions. He is a scream! His lines are just so stupid, particularly the following wise reflection.

Mr. Kholi: You know what they say -- No life without wife.

This line is developed into a catchy little song. This production is filled with dancing and singing. Most of the songs could be considered rather cheesey, but it is these corny songs which make the movie. The music. The costumes. The engaging characters. The wonderful story. All of these little details make this a hilarious movie! The Kent girls read Pride and Prejudice during the '05 summer. Now, we are into watching all versions of Austen's phenomenal work. This is a phenomenal movie of an exceptional book! :-)

©N. Kent Last Updated: February 5, 2008 mail Nicole Kent