Kareena Kapoor finds her strength in a Hansal Mehta world – Beyond Bollywood

Although a work of fiction, the unrest depicted may mirror the pressing issues of a cosmopolitan country like England.

Rating:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 / 5)

By Mayur Lookhar

Government subsidies, both domestic and international, have encouraged desi filmmakers over the years. These subsidies often impact the original story, as filmmakers tweak certain elements to fit the environment where it is filmed. While we can’t say with certainty, an Indian film shot entirely in England likely received support from relevant UK authorities.

We don’t know whether director Hansal Mehta’s The Buckingham Murders (2024) availed any subsidy, but the desi crime drama’s setting certainly doesn’t present a rosy picture of England. The 2024 UK riots and prevailing social tension, however, remind us how an unfriendly social environment can present an opportunity to settle personal scores. Mehta and writer Aseem Arora smartly use this environment to craft a crime drama that largely centers around the diaspora.

British Indian DS (Detective Sergeant) Jasmeet Bhamra (Kareena Kapoor) lost her young son in a senseless communal clash following a cricket match. She leaves Leicestershire and heads to Buckinghamshire, where, though reluctant, she is assigned the case of the murder of a 10-year-old Indian-origin boy, Ishmeet. The tragedy occurred on 14 November, which is celebrated as Children’s Day in India. The prime suspect is a hippie, Pakistani-British man, Saquib Chowdhary (Kapil Redekar). Bhamra’s colleague, DI (Detective Inspector) Hardik Patel (Ash Tandon), quickly concludes that Saquib’s criminal record and a soured business relationship between the Pakistani and Indian families led the 19-year-old to kill the Indian boy. The case seems solved in just 48 hours, but Bhamra remains unconvinced. Her investigation uncovers both predictable and sensational revelations.

Desi filmmakers base their films abroad but sometimes falter by creating pretentious characters. Mehta wisely limits the use of Indian talent, opting instead for British-born actors of Asian descent, along with local talent. He doesn’t hesitate to alienate the desi audience, as much of the film is shot in English. Kareena Kapoor, Ranveer Brar, and Prabhleen Kaur though aren’t forced to adopt British accents. The essence of a film should always be communication, not accents.

Hansal Mehta often brings the best out of his talent. Kareena Kapoor Khan has been inconsistent in her career, but a Hansal Mehta film offers a chance to experience cinema far from the world she’s usually comfortable in. Kapoor does well to curb her usual frailties, delivering a strong performance without going overboard. The personal loss weighs on her, showing on her face, but it also sensitizes Bhamra to the grief of Priti (Kaur), the victim’s mother, as well as the mother whose son is likely to face life imprisonment for murder.

Ash Tandon makes his Bollywood debut with a mature performance. DI Hardik, also known as Hardy, comes across as a calm detective who leads from the front, often going the extra mile alone. Prabhleen Kaur’s film appearances are generally limited to Hansal Mehta’s works. You feel for Priti, who is still grappling with the loss of her adopted child and a possibly unfaithful husband, Daljeet (Brar). Kaur has limited opportunities but does justice to her role. Chef Ranveer Brar, usually a smiling face, will stun his fans with this frustrated, chauvinistic avatar.  Noted British actor Keith Allen is likable as Bhamra and Hardy’s boss Miller.

Mehta’s works are often technically sound, featuring fine cinematography and a riveting background score. Despite the foreign setting, the tabla beats effectively heighten the tension of the situation.

At just 114 minutes, The Buckingham Murders is an ideal quick watch. After a gripping first half, the film loses momentum, partly due to poorly written mysteries and secrets, as well as average performances from some of the young actors, particularly Redekar. There’s nothing distinctly British or Pakistani about Redekar’s mannerisms. The portrayal of Pakistani characters may evoke mixed responses in the subcontinent. Hindu nationalists might worry that Mehta is being too sympathetic towards unfriendly neighbours, while Islamic Pakistan may be displeased with the representation of overseas Pakistanis. For example, when Naved is picked up by Hardy, an elderly Pakistani gentleman asks if he should call “mayor saab,” an obvious reference to Sadiq Khan, the London mayor of Pakistani origin.

Racial tension in a multi-ethnic society, diaspora, drugs, and the role of cops are central themes in The Buckingham Murders. Although a work of fiction, the unrest depicted may mirror the pressing issues of a cosmopolitan country like England. In a heated atmosphere, Hansal Mehta reminds us why we need more individuals like Jasmeet Bhamra and Miller to defuse tension and seek the truth.

Watch the video review below.