Wahala be like namaste o!!
First of its kind, Namaste Wahala, a Bollywood/Nollywood co-production stirs so much anticipation. With Hamisha Daryani Ahuja and M. I. Abaga as its director and coproducer, it has a lot of hype attached to it especially due to its predominant theme of love and being released on Valentine’s day. Few days after it is released, the internet is torn with mixed feelings. Hence, the need for an objective criticism that settles the score is expedient.
Starts off rather cliche—a full blown Bollywood scene, had me screaming angles!! Lol. The story line as seen in the trailer is a stereotypical love story challenged by difference in culture and in the end “…love always wins”. Rajesh an Indian man who lives in Nigeria is being pressured by his mother to get married and settle down. He is indifferent about the issue but is thrown aback when he meets Didi—Chidinma Nwigwe. She is the only child of a renowned lawyer Ernest Nwigwe who has a very reputable law firm, but Chidinma is in a little phase of identity crisis. While trying to stamp her feet on the legal path she wants to thread, she is being pressured by her father to come on board on his team and give him a ‘competent’ son-inlaw that would carry on his legacy. He is disappointed when she brings home the man she wants to marry and he is Raj—an Indian. Raj’s mom on the other hand also, doesn’t like Didi. This creates so much hurdles against the relationship.
Outside the very typical and cliche story (as expected), this production is commendable. There is a distinct yet interdependent representation of both industries involved. There are very relatable scenes that appeal to the Nigerian audience, and others that appeal to the Indians. I think it is important to quickly point this out, while the Nigerian audience may find the Indian appealing scenes unnecessary, it is necessary to see that the production is a merging of both cultures (and industries) and consider the both perspectives present. Hence, it would be unfair to base the critiquing of this movie from one point of view.
The acting is also very commendable. Every character delivered excellently and contributed largely in creating a balance. Every featured actor brought their A game. From Rajesh, to Didi, to Preemo, to Somto, to Meera, to Ernest Nwigwe, to Raymond Nwachukwu, to Angie, and every other character represented. Every actor did justice to their characters. Nah, we stan!
One last thing I’ll like to comment on is the open end technique employed at the end of the movie. With the Indians asking for thier Dhahej (the money in-laws pay for marrying their son), and the Nigerians asking for their Bride Price(the money in laws pay for marrying their daughter. The confusion in that scene beautifully knits together differences that are still so similar in both cultures. I thought that was a creative way to end the movie.
All in all, this production was an enjoyable one. Like the name suggests, it is a romantic comedy, one that I recommend. So if what you want is a light mood and laughs, then this is the movie for you.
Thank you for reading my review on Namaste Wahala. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, don’t forget to like this post, comment on Instagram and share this post. Until next time, stay safe. Stay jiggy.
