When unexpected guests arrive at your doorstep and completely upend your life, chaos is bound to ensue. Starring Paresh Rawal, Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Kharbanda, and Tanvi Azmi, “Guest iin London” is a comedy set in contemporary London, following the lives of a young couple whose plans are hilariously derailed by the arrival of uninvited relatives. Directed by Ashwni Dhir, this film falls squarely into the genre of situational comedy, relying on misunderstandings, culture clashes, and slapstick humor to entertain its audience.
The story centers on Aryan and Anaya, a couple living in London, planning to fake their marriage for a visa. Things take a comical turn when Gangasharan and Guddi, relatives from India, unexpectedly show up at their doorstep, completely unaware of the couple’s sham arrangement. What follows is a series of awkward, over-the-top situations where the young couple’s well-laid plans unravel due to the meddling of their elderly guests. As Aryan and Anaya try to maintain their facade while dealing with the eccentric habits and cultural clashes of their guests, their lives become a whirlwind of misunderstandings, frustration, and humor. Without giving away the ending, the movie keeps its viewers entertained as it explores the theme of family, love, and the absurdities of everyday life.
One of the standout aspects of the film is Paresh Rawal’s performance. As Gangasharan, he portrays the stereotypical annoying relative with precision, using his comic timing and expressive face to great effect. Paresh has a natural ability to switch between annoying and endearing, which keeps the character from becoming completely insufferable. His interactions with Kartik’s Aryan provide the bulk of the film’s humor. For instance, there’s a recurring gag involving Paresh’s insistence on archaic Indian customs, which continually clashes with Aryan’s modern, Westernized lifestyle. The frustration on Aryan’s face, combined with Paresh’s obliviousness, makes for several laugh-out-loud moments. Kartik, in turn, plays the frustrated yet helpless host well, though his role doesn’t demand much range. He portrays Aryan’s growing exasperation with just enough subtlety to keep it from becoming too one-note.
The direction by Ashwni Dhir is straightforward, and the film relies heavily on situational comedy. The pacing is fairly quick, ensuring that the story doesn’t drag, but it does feel repetitive at times. Ashwni’s strength lies in handling the chaotic dynamic between the younger couple and their uninvited guests, especially in scenes where tension builds from misunderstandings or cultural differences. One example is a dinner scene where the two generations clash over food habits, resulting in a disaster that spirals into a series of unfortunate yet comical events. However, there are moments where the humor feels forced, particularly in scenes that rely too heavily on slapstick or toilet humor, which can alienate viewers looking for a more refined comedic experience.
The film’s cinematography by Sudhir K. Chaudhary does a good job of capturing the essence of London while keeping the focus on the cramped apartment where most of the drama unfolds. The use of tight, enclosed spaces adds to the sense of discomfort and awkwardness, making Aryan and Anaya’s predicament feel more claustrophobic. Visually, the film is vibrant and colorful, matching the energetic tone of the story. The London backdrop is mostly incidental, serving as a contrast to the traditional Indian values that Paresh’s character brings with him.
Music by Raghav Sachar and Amit Mishra is functional but not particularly memorable. The soundtrack fits well with the film’s lighthearted tone, with songs that are catchy but ultimately forgettable. The film doesn’t depend on its music to drive the narrative, which works in its favor, as the focus remains on the comic situations and character dynamics. The background score is well-timed and adds to the humor in key scenes, though it doesn’t stand out on its own.
Editing by Manan Sagar is competent, though there are moments where the film could have been tighter. Some scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged, particularly those that involve physical comedy, where the joke has already landed but the scene drags on. This could have been trimmed to maintain the film’s energy and prevent the humor from feeling overdone. However, the transitions between comedic moments and the more emotional scenes are smooth, allowing the narrative to maintain its flow without becoming disjointed.
Costume design also plays a role in highlighting the cultural clash between the characters. Paresh and Tanvi’s traditional Indian outfits contrast sharply with the modern, Western attire worn by Kartik and Kriti, visually emphasizing the generation and cultural gap that fuels much of the film’s humor. This difference is particularly noticeable during a party scene where Paresh’s character, dressed in a kurta, looks completely out of place amidst the modern, cosmopolitan crowd—a perfect example of the film’s underlying theme of cultural dissonance.
Thematically, the film explores the idea of family and the clash between traditional values and modern lifestyles. While it delivers these themes with humor, there is a deeper commentary on how families, no matter how annoying or intrusive, are still integral to one’s life. Gangasharan and Guddi, despite their maddening behavior, bring a sense of warmth and belonging that Aryan and Anaya initially fail to appreciate. This shift from irritation to acceptance is subtle but adds depth to the otherwise lighthearted plot. However, the film sometimes gets too caught up in its comic set pieces, sidelining the emotional beats that could have given the narrative more weight.
Overall, the movie is a fun watch if you’re in the mood for light, situational comedy. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of story or theme, it provides enough laughs to keep the audience entertained. Paresh Rawal’s performance is the film’s highlight, and his comic timing ensures that even the more predictable moments land with humor. The chemistry between the cast, particularly between Kartik and Paresh, adds to the film’s charm. However, if you’re not a fan of slapstick or exaggerated humor, some parts of the movie might feel grating. Despite its flaws, the film’s heart is in the right place, and it serves as a reminder that even the most annoying guests can leave a lasting impact.
For those who enjoy light comedies with family-centric themes and don’t mind a bit of over-the-top humor, this movie is worth checking out. It may not be a groundbreaking cinematic experience, but it delivers on its promise of providing laughs and a few tender moments along the way.
