Watch Keeping Up With The Kandasamys

Keeping Up With The Kandasamys is a 2017 South African romantic comedy film directed by Jayan Moodley. The movie features an ensemble cast led by Alisha Authbehari and Mariam Bassa, and it follows two families, the Kandasamys and the Naidoos, who have been sworn enemies for years despite living in the same Indian neighbourhood of Chatsworth, Durban.

The movie opens with matriarchs Jennifer Kandasamy (Mariam Bassa) and Shanthi Naidoo (Maeshni Naicker) waging war against each other over a parking space dispute. The feud between the two families has been going on for over two decades, and the women's animosity towards each other runs deep. Their children, who grew up disliking each other, continue the tradition by hurling insults at each other and playing pranks. However, things change when Jennifer's son Jodi (Mishqah Parthiephal) and Shanthi's son Prishen (Madhushan Singh) fall in love with each other.

Jodi and Prishen's relationship blossoms behind their families' backs until they finally reveal their love to their mothers. The news of their relationship shocks and angers Jennifer and Shanthi, who refuse to accept their sons' relationship. The women's hostility towards each other further escalates, and they do everything in their power to keep their sons apart. However, Jodi and Prishen remain determined to be together and enlist the help of their family and friends to make peace between the two families.

As the two families navigate their new roles as potential in-laws, they realize that they share more in common than they thought. Their backgrounds and cultural values may be different, but they all want the same things - love, happiness, and acceptance. Keeping Up With The Kandasamys explores themes of identity, tradition, and family through the lens of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Alisha Authbehari and Mariam Bassa delivering strong performances as the central characters. Their chemistry as rival matriarchs is palpable, and they both bring a nuanced portrayal of their respective characters' motivations and emotions. The supporting cast, including Rory Booth as Benny Kandasamy, Kogie Naidoo as Sagren Naidoo, and Jailoshini Naidoo as Aya Naidoo, all add to the movie's charm with their comedic timing and relatable performances.

Keeping Up With The Kandasamys is also a visual treat, with vibrant colours and lively music adding to the movie's energetic vibe. The movie's cinematography captures the bustling neighbourhood of Chatsworth, highlighting its diverse architecture and rich cultural heritage. The movie's wardrobe also deserves a special mention for its colourful, eclectic mix of traditional sarees, modern streetwear, and flashy accessories.

Overall, Keeping Up With The Kandasamys is a heartwarming and entertaining movie that deftly balances comedy and drama. It presents a fresh take on the Romeo and Juliet trope by exploring the complex dynamics of family and cultural identity. The movie's themes of acceptance and unity are timeless and relevant, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a relatable and feel-good story.

Keeping Up With The Kandasamys is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.