If a coming-of-age, South Asian female-centred film is what you’ve been looking for, then look no further than Polite Society. Nida Manzoor whose credits also include the hit Channel 4 series, We are Lady Parts, makes her feature-film debut with Polite Society which can only be described as a female-centred, action-packed film with a comic-book-esque undertone.
The cast features a variety of great actors and actresses and is led by some of our favourite South Asian actresses including Bridgerton star Priya Kansara, Umbrella Academy star Ritu Arya, Mrs Marvel’s Nimra Bucha, and well-known Citizen Khan actress, Shobu Kapoor. The casting of this film shines forth a beacon of female South Asian representation that big screens have been missing out on thus far. Polite Society not only tells an endearing, comedic-action story, but it tackles the complexities of being a South Asian female in western society. Comparable to hit films like Bend it Like Beckham, Nida Manzoor’s direction creates a space for South-Asian women to be seen, heard, and represented in western cinema. There’s no doubt that the film will appeal to many young South Asian females who are desperately seeking to see themselves accurately represented on screen and may even find that through this movie.
The highly anticipated film follows the story of a young British-Pakistani teen and aspiring stunt performer, Ria Khan (Priya Kansara) as she embarks on a mission to stop her sister, Lena’s (Ritu Arya) wedding. Ria’s motives for stopping her sister’s weddings are rooted in her suspicions towards the groom and his family as she believes they have nefarious motivations. The movie thus propels into action taking on comic-book-style qualities once Ria enlists her best friends in a dramatic, action-packed, and stealthy plan to save her sister from her impending nuptials prompted by the fear of losing her.
The symbiotic and sisterly bond between Ria and Lena is truly at the core of this movie as the trailer shows the two sisters’ unbreakable bond not only as siblings but also as best friends. The South-Asian sisterhood exhibited throughout the movie is reminiscent of the Jane Austen-like qualities in Gurinder Chadha’s Bride and Prejudice where sisterhood is indispensable. This unbreakable bond will no doubt touch viewers’ hearts but also add layers to a comedic-action film that goes beyond simply providing an adrenaline rush. Whilst many films within the comedy-action genre tend to skate the surface when it comes to character exploration, Polite Society provides a real insight into the complexities of characters’ lives from their familial dynamics to their internal psyche. The film appears to outline the intricate dynamics of a South-Asian family unit, celebrating British-Pakistani culture whilst also engaging with several issues that often trouble individuals existing within it.
Certain issues like parental expectations, gender-specific roles, and family dynamics are all tackled in the undercurrent of this film, whilst still maintaining its core comedic and action elements. The movie also offers insight into Gen-Z’s ambition to become anything they want to be combined with parental expectations. The family dynamic at the centre of the film allows viewers to witness perspectives across generations in a British-Pakistani family from an ambitious Gen-Z teen to her traditionally oriented parents played exceptionally well by Shobu Kapoor and Jeff Mirza.
Whilst the Focus Features produced film is yet to release in theatres, it has already received excellent reviews at its premiere at the 2023 Sundance film festival on the 21 st of January. A review from Hollywood News hailed the premiere as “an addictive feature debut”, praising it as a “charming coming-of-age tale of two sisters”. Clearly, the film’s focus on sisterhood shines throughout the movie and fans are loving Nida Manzoor’s portrayal of a coming-of-age story. The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a “raucous comedy”, alluding to its wild nature which I’m sure viewers can’t wait to see play out on screen. The anticipation for Polite Society only increases following the reviews as the film not only breaks cultural barriers but ticks the box for various genres
in the film industry.
Polite Society offers a breath of fresh air to viewers who are tired of the white-dominated action comedies that overshadow the film industry and offer little in-depth exploration. The movie is sure to be a hit as Nida Manzoor’s previous work has showcased her ability to beautifully blend genres and Polite Society will not be an exception. The movie is set to release in UK theatres on 7 th April 2023 and in the US on 28 th April 2023 and fans certainly can’t wait to see how the action unfolds!
Writer – Tiyanna Mistry
