Watch West Is West

West Is West is a 2010 British comedy-drama film directed by Andy De Emmony, and starring Aqib Khan, Om Puri, and Linda Bassett. The cast also includes Ila Arun, Vijay Raaz, and Jimi Mistry. The film is a sequel to the 1999 film East Is East and is set in the late 1970s. The story follows the life of 15-year-old Sajid Khan (Aqib Khan), who is a British-Pakistani teenager living in Manchester. Sajid is caught between two cultures, that of his Pakistani father and his British mother. He has a strained relationship with his father, George (Om Puri), who is a stubborn and traditional man, and often clashes with his mother, Ella (Linda Bassett), who is more liberal and understanding of Sajid's struggles.

When Sajid's behaviour starts to get out of hand, George decides to take him to Pakistan to teach him some discipline and reconnect him with his roots. However, as soon as they arrive in Pakistan, the cultural differences become apparent, and Sajid finds it hard to fit in, especially as he does not speak Urdu. He is also uncomfortable with the strict religious customs and practices that his father imposes on him, which are very different from his own upbringing in Britain.

As Sajid navigates his way through this new environment, he meets a young girl named Shazia (Ayesha Dharker), who helps him to understand the local culture and language. He also reconnects with his half-brothers and half-sisters, who are all from his father's previous marriage. However, tensions rise when Sajid's rebellious behaviour gets him into trouble with the locals, and he puts his family in danger.

West Is West is a heartwarming and funny film that explores themes of identity, culture, and family. It has a great cast, with standout performances from Aqib Khan, Om Puri, and Linda Bassett. Aqib Khan, in particular, shines as the conflicted Sajid, who is torn between his Pakistani heritage and his British upbringing.

The film is also visually stunning, with beautiful shots of the Pakistani landscape and the bustling streets of Lahore. The soundtrack is also excellent, featuring a mix of traditional Pakistani music and British pop songs from the 70s.

Overall, West Is West is a feel-good film that tackles serious issues with humour and sensitivity. It is a worthy sequel to East Is East and stands on its own as a great film. It will make you laugh, cry, and leave you feeling uplifted. It is definitely worth watching.