If you enjoy crossover Indian films like ‘Bend it like Beckham’ or ‘Monsoon Wedding’, this movie is for you. It has all the quintessential elements of a film of this genre – A big fat Indian wedding, overbearing in-laws, family conflict and pressure to consummate the marriage (exerted exclusively by aforementioned in-laws).
The premise of ALL IN GOOD TIME is simple. Atul (Reece Ritchie) and Vina (Amara Karan) are an Indian couple in Bolton who have just gotten married. They are excited to start their new life, beginning with their much-anticipated honeymoon. However, Atul’s over-enthusiastic parents put a thorn in their plans when they hi-jack the couple’s honeymoon. Hilarity and hi-jinks ensue as Atul and Vina try (and fail) desperately to escape the 24/7 surveillance of their family and consummate their new marriage. Meanwhile, the family patriarch Eashwar (Harish Patel) is constantly undercuts his son’s masculinity by chiding him for not being able to – as he so eloquently puts it – “plant a flower in the Shalimar gardens”.
But the movie is not all laughs and no substance. The second half is poignant and encapsulates the stark realities of marriage.
We see Atul’s heartbreak over not being able to give his new bride what she wants. We see Vina’s frustration and desire to give up on the marriage, and Atul’s subsequent plea to get her to stay. Ultimately, the same father who belittled his son for not being a ‘real man’ is instrumental in helping Atul save his weeks-old marriage. “If you never listen to me again, at least listen to me now”, he urges his son.
ALL IN GOOD TIME has something for everyone. It captures marriage in all its facets – from the light-hearted funny moments to the all-too-real heart-breaking ones. This movie promises to be an all-out entertainer, and at this (horrible, death-inducing) time of the semester, that is exactly what you need to feel refreshed, invigorated and ready to start thinking about studying!