What Is the Story About?
Polite Society follows British-Pakistani teenager Ria Khan who aspires to become a movie stuntwoman like her idol, Eunice Huthart and her older sister Lena, an art-school drop-out trying to find their own footing, battling adverse odds in the patriarchal, discouraging Desi society. A self aware and goofy action comedy that tells a lot without making so much hooplah.
Performances?
Priya Kansara plays out Ria Khan with so much fun, freshness and spark, but she does go far too over the top sometimes (could also be the demand of the space the film is in). She is physically so agile, has that immanent star quality and her stunts are so believable to the eyes.
Analysis
Written and directed by Nida Manzoor, Polite Society is the tale of two sisters, two dreamers in their own right and might battling the odds and adversaries of their life. Ria is an aspiring stuntwoman and Lena is an aspiring artist who dropped out of art school.
British-Pakistani teenager Ria Khan who idolises Eunice Huthart wishes to be a stuntwoman. Under the alter-ego name of ‘The Fury’, she uploads videos of her stunts on YouTube with the help of her older sister Lena. Lena aspires to be an artist but gives up on her art school and returns home. Their parents are loving but still traditional and discourages Ria’s dreams.
A persistent Ria emails Eunice seeking internship despite disapprovals from her mentor. Things take a turn when the Khan family is invited to an Eid soirée by Raheela, a super rich socialite, at her lavish mansion. Ria gets to know that the intent of the party was to find a bride for Raheela’s son Salim. Lena meets him, goes on multiple dates with him and their marriage alliance gets fixed.</p
Ria adamantly refuses to accept Lena’s decision of giving up on her artistic dreams for a domesticated life and most importantly to marry Salim, who she doesn’t approve as her brother-in-law. This creates a huge rift between the sisters. Their equation turns further sour as Ria discovers Salim and Raheela’s ulterior motives and hatches a plan to rescue Lena from the venomous mother-son duo.
First things first, Polite Society is self-aware. The writing aces the blend of action and comedy so well that one wouldn’t notice time flying. The actors also fit in their pants so well. For example, Ria-Lena’s parents are literally every Desi parents ever and Ria’s friends are so much fun onscreen. However, not all of these characters are fleshed out well.
Polite Society’s screenplay deserves a pat on its back for effortlessly blending South Asian roots, vibrant Bollywood pop and kickass action. Right from the opening shot to the climax, Polite Society does give a heartfelt tribute to bollywood, which essentially shaped most South Asians’ childhood.
In short, Polite Society is a blast. It’s entertaining, fun and over-the-top. The Maar-Daala sequence in the second act of the film is such a scene-stealer and that alone should make Polite Society worth your time.
Other Artists?
The standout performance in the film comes from the veteran pakistani actress Nimra Bucha. The cunning, vile and intimidating villain-ess Raheela. Not only does she one-up Ria by doing some real smashing stunts, but also totally dominates every scene she is put in. Ritu Arya is so charming and equally powerful as Lena, Ria’s elder sister.
Music and Other Departments?
The stunt choreography of Polite Society is truly commendable. The pop of colour and bollywood glam Ashley Connor’s camera absorbs, adds a lot of vibrance to the already vibrant theme of the film. Tom Howe & Shez Manzoor’s music is peppy, full of life and again reminiscent of peak bollywood era.
Highlights?
Premise
Action
Supporting Cast
Hilarious Screenplay
Drawbacks?
Priya Kansara’s performance
Supporting characters badly fleshed
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes.
Polite Society Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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