Once again, I find that I am
the only blogger who has posted an external review on the IMDb page of a South
African film (click here to read it). For those who’d like to hear what others
have to say about Keeping Up With the
Kandasamys, Jayan Moodley’s 2017 Chatsworth comedic version of Romeo and Juliet, I’ve extracted
excerpts from reviews posted by other South African moviegoers and compiled
them here, for your perusal.
In a review posted on the
Channel24 website last Friday, Gabi Zietsman states:
“Keeping Up with the Kandasamys is a
lovely stroll through Durban’s famous Indian suburb Chatsworth and the lives of
those who live there, even if it might be exaggerated. The two leading ladies,
Jailoshini Naidoo and Maeshni Naicker are a dynamite duo and you can’t help but
wonder why we haven’t seen them in more movies. …
The disses
and clapbacks are pure gold, and these veteran actresses’ comedic timing can
make Trevor Noah take notes. Director Jayan Moodley and writer Rory Booth work
great as a team and produced an entertaining comedy that will make you scream
with laughter. …
Even though
the film celebrates Indian culture and identity, the characters remain
relatable across all racial and cultural lines, connecting with the audience’s
own familial experiences. …
The one
thing that failed the movie was the dramatic scenes. When it finally comes out why
the two women have been at each other’s throats all these years, the film takes
a sudden sombre turn that doesn’t really fit with the first part of the film.
The emotions and tears felt like they were being forced through a meat grinder,
but luckily it managed to find its way back to the humour for the end, complete
with a Bollywood dance number.”
