MOVIE REVIEW: POST CARDS A NOLLYWOOD-BOLLYWOOD COLLABORATION BY HAMISHA AHUJA
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Movie Details
– Release Date: May 3, 2024
– Streaming Platform: Netflix
– Episodes: 6
– Episode Runtime: 32 minutes
– Director: Hamisha Ahuja
– Cast: Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Rahamu Sadau, Nancy Iseme, Rio Kapadia, Rajneesh Duggal
Background
Nigeria and India share deep-rooted similarities due to their intertwined colonial pasts, large populations, and diverse cultural heritages. Both countries boast thriving film industries, Nollywood and Bollywood, renowned globally for their size and influence. Collaborations between these industries are on the rise, exemplified by projects like “Namaste Wahala” and the recent Netflix series “Postcards,” which aim to bridge the cultural gap between the two nations through storytelling.
“Postcards,” created by Indian filmmaker Hamisha Ahuja following her success with “Namaste Wahala,” explores the cultural connections between Nigeria and India. Drawing inspiration from Nollywood’s romantic comedy genre, the series delves into themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations with a fresh perspective. Despite its ambitious goals, “Postcards” faces challenges in fully realizing its potential, with unresolved subplots adding complexity to the narrative…
The series revolves around Aunty Olubunmi, a vibrant Lagos socialite who, despite her lively social life, grapples with loneliness, failing health, and a distant son, Oluyemi, aspiring to dance in India. Olubunmi’s brother, Olumide, a successful but aloof businessman in India, discovers his past love, Rekha, living in a property they visit. As the plot unfolds, Aunty Olubunmi’s health crisis leads her to India, where she encounters her son pursuing his dance career and connects with a doctor, Siddarth, facing marital challenges with his Nigerian wife, Zainab.
The narrative intertwines the characters’ journeys, from Aunty Olubunmi’s quest for family reconciliation to Olumide’s rekindled feelings for Rekha and Yemi’s struggles as a dancer in Bollywood.
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As the story unfolds, viewers are left pondering the fates of these characters: Will Aunty Olubunmi reunite with her son? Can Olumide find love again? What lies ahead for Siddarth and Zainab’s marriage? How will Yemi navigate his burgeoning career in India?
Character Analysis
The ensemble cast of “Postcards” showcases a diverse mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents from Nigeria and India, each contributing their unique style to the screen. Notable Indian actors like Rajneesh Duggal and the late Rio Kapadia, along with Nigerian actors such as Sola Sobowale, RMD, Rahama Sadau, Tobi Bakre, and Nancy Isime, bring dynamic energy and charisma to their roles. Sola Sobowale’s portrayal of Aunty Bunmi stands out for its powerful performance, while RMD adds depth to his character Olumide. Rahama Sadau impresses with her captivating presence, and Nancy Isime shines in her role. Together, this talented cast elevates the series, making it a compelling watch for audiences seeking both entertainment and substance.
Movie Analysis
“Postcards” represents a cross-cultural collaboration between Nigeria and India, showcasing the growth in the Nigerian film industry. While the movie sets a high standard, it falls short of fully meeting expectations. The film delves into various subplots linked to Aunty Bunmi, which serves as both a strength and a weakness. It portrays the realities of India and Nigeria, highlighting different aspects of both countries with empathy.
The cinematography, performances, language fusion, and thematic elements are commendable, but the storyline suffers from unresolved subplots and a lack of clarity in character motivations. The series presents a complex web of characters and narratives that could benefit from a more cohesive and engaging execution.
The series excels with its cinematography and good visual odyssey of India and Lagos, Nigeria. The star performances from the Nigeran and Indian cast were exceptional and delightful.
It also highlights its didactic lessons on family, love, marriage, friendship, and communication themes, which merge from both cultures.Premium times.
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