Okay, just look at my smile. Teeth and gums. That’s all I see. A real smile that captures my excitement to meet these superbly talented young actors. There are no pretensions. Just like the movie.
Kings of Mulberry Street – Let Love Reign is real, raw, relatable and a rollercoaster ride of emotions – like the taxi rides of our childhood. Giving my age away here!
Here’s my take on the first Kings of Mulberry Street movie – which went on to win a string of awards, at home and abroad. https://inmywords.co.za/?p=1546
The beauty is that even if you didn’t watch the first one, it’s easy to fall in love with the characters. I did, again.
As I reached for my popcorn at the premiere of the movie at Suncoast in Durban, popcorn popped on the screen, literally. You know, the old-fashioned way, on the pot on the stove with the lid covered. That sets the tone for a nostalgic journey of what matters most in life – family, friends and togetherness because as we learn – “the guzzies from the the district will never let you down”. It’s a line that warmed my heart and took me right back to the neighbourhood I grew up in – Newlands West.
The year is 1994. South Africa is counting the days to the first democratic elections. But in the neighbourhood of Mulberry Street in Verulam, a drama is about to unfold, with some important life lessons, charming Bollywood retro vibes and excellent comedic timing by the adult cast, and more so the young stars.
Shaan Nathoo is back as the lovable Baboo and there’s a new Ticky in town – Liam Dunpath – who pulls off the role with aplomb! Ammada *breaks knuckles!
In the opening scene, Baboo says he is “dressed to impress” but Ticky says it’s more a case of “cruising for a bruising”. Immediately, you know that these polar opposites will keep you entertained, and laughing, until the end.
In their mission to save Ticky’s Amma, the boys come up with a rather flamboyant plan. In typical Bollywood style, there’s a love distraction. Enter Laila – played by the effervescent Kimberly Arthur. Baboo is hopelessly in love with her but she seems to have her eye on Ticky. Cue the iconic Amitabh Bachchan song – Jumma Chumma De De – which means give me a kiss. I’m not saying any more!
Writer and director Judy Naidoo needs to take a bow, again. She puts her heart and soul into the art of storytelling and that shines through in a special way that will make you laugh and cry at the same time and feel immensely proud. This is a proudly KZN film – a province with a rich and moving cultural tapestry rarely seen on screen. Thank you Judy for capturing this with careful attention to the nuances.
The supporting actors are brilliant. You will spot some familiar faces and new faces who all come together to create magic. I don’t want to give too much away.
You can catch Kings of Mulberry Street – Let Love Reign on April 7th on Netflix.
Round up your “guzzies from the district”, make that popcorn on the stove and get ready for a feel-good movie that you will want to watch again and again.
