63. Uda Aida; movie review

UDA AIDA
Cert TBC
140 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

Isn't it a tad ironic that a few days ago a cinema audience was cheering the British being sliced apart in Manikarnika and yet speaking English remains the must-have symbol of intelligence among Indians?
Indeed, there is such a concentration on foreign languages that it is feared Punjabi may cease to be used within 50 years.
It is strange but true that heritage is seen to be more important for emigrants or descendants who live outside of the country than those who stay at home.
The need to speak English is the central focus of Ksshitij Chaudhary's Udo Aida.
Neeru Bajwa stars as a young mum who is desperate to see her son (Ansh Tejpal) educated well enough to become a 'high-ranking officer'.
Neither she nor her husband (Tarsem Jassar) have clear thoughts about their son's potential profession but they know they don't want him to be a poor farmer like his dad.
However, their ambition very nearly outstrips their means and only with the help of a well-meaning teacher (Poppy Jabbal) do they have any chance of a place at the school of their dreams.
Note I write 'their'. Unfortunately, they haven't realised that their boy could be completwly out of his depth in his new surroundings and the culture gap between him and the rich kids turns out to be huge.
It is interesting it is suggested that even in a remote village the most educated person is seen to be someone who can spout the occasional sentence of English.
Indeed, Gurpreet Guggi's comic character throws his intellectual weight around because of what he boasts is his mastery of the language.
He isn't even shamed by people who speak it fluently because his friends and family are none the wiser.
Guggi's gaffes are part of the Uda Aida's merriment as are those of the parents who are out of place at the posh school.
But there are serious points from Chaudhary's movie and they surround ludicrously high expectations parents can have of their children and the importance of preserving Punjabi culture.
It is a neat combo of fun and philosophy and I found myself rather charmed by it.

Reasons to watch: Charming combo of fun and philosphy over education in India
Reasons to avoid: Some of the gags are a bit shouty and weak

Laughs: Three for me, many more for others in the audience
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? In urban India, 44% of people are bilingual and 15% are trilingual - however, in rural areas the figures are 22% and 5%.

The final word. Neeru Bajwa: "I do not understand the psyche of our own people when it comes to our mother-tongue. Why do we feel ashamed talking in our own language. I feel fortunate that even though I have been born and brought up in Canada, my parents made sure that I speak only Punjabi at home. That's the same I am doing with my three year old daughter now."

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