Tuesday, BBC1,10:40pm
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022) offers a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre by blending cross-cultural dynamics with contemporary themes of love, tradition, and self-discovery. Starring Lily James as Zoe, a British filmmaker documenting her best friend Kaz’s (Shazad Latif) journey through an arranged marriage, the film navigates the nuances of relationships across cultures. It’s a rom-com that sidesteps conventional formulas, providing a look into South Asian matchmaking customs and examining how both arranged and “love” marriages face similar challenges in today’s world. The script by Jemima Khan infuses humor and cultural insight, making it both a love story and an exploration of identity in a globalized society.
The soundtrack of What’s Love Got to Do with It? is as eclectic as the cultures it seeks to bridge, bringing together a mix of Bollywood classics, British pop, and original tracks that serve as a musical parallel to the film’s themes. Composer Nitin Sawhney’s score blends traditional South Asian instrumentation with contemporary beats, mirroring Kaz’s and Zoe’s experiences in navigating both modern and traditional expectations. The standout original track “Mahi Sona (The Wedding Song)” by British-Pakistani artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan captures the film’s celebratory tone and was an instant hit among fans, with its infectious beat and soulful vocals adding vibrancy to Kaz’s journey. The soundtrack doesn’t just set the mood; it amplifies the film’s message about the universal pursuit of love, acceptance, and belonging.
Through Zoe and Kaz’s story, the film becomes a subtle commentary on love’s ability to transcend boundaries and the pressures of conforming to familial expectations. While it’s lighthearted at its core, What’s Love Got to Do with It? (2022) resonates for its culturally rich soundtrack and nuanced storytelling that encourages the audience to consider different perspectives on love and commitment. By bringing together Lily James’s relatable charm and the magnetic pull of its multicultural soundtrack, the film crafts a vivid depiction of love as an evolving journey—one that’s as much about understanding oneself as it is about finding connection with others.
- Daisy Rae