It's a Wonderful Afterlife

It's a Wonderful Afterlife is an enchanting blend of comedy, romance, and the supernatural released in 2010. The film showcases a stunning performance from popular British-Indian actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, who teams up with British actors Steve Morphew and Steve Jones to deliver this memorable cinematic experience. Directed and co-written by Gurinder Chadha, the film delves into the theme of matrimony from an Indian perspective and spirals into a hilarious whirlpool of events, with an unexpected supernatural twist.

The film invites its audience to traverse the life of the lead character, Mrs. Sethi, a delightful Indian woman played by Shabana Azmi. A widowed mother living in West London with a strong dedication to Indian traditions and values, she's singularly committed to one thing: the mission to find a suitable husband for her only daughter, Roopi (played by Goldy Notay). Roopi, on the other hand, is a thoroughly modern young woman who is less interested in getting married and more concerned with her career and personal development.

It's on this premise that the film's narrative begins to unfold. Mrs. Sethi's despair escalates as she meets with constant disappointment in her quest. Her desperation to realise her dream for her daughter gets a hilarious, extraordinary twist when she finds herself embroiled in a series of murder investigations, thereby introducing a supernatural element into their otherwise normal life.

The character of Sanjeev Bhaskar infuses charm and humour into the proceedings. Playing the role of an unfortunate detective investigating the bizarre murder cases, he is both baffled by the strange events and smitten by Roopi. The film celebrates their budding romance, flinging them into a tangle of supernatural incidents and unfolding a series of comical situations involving the quirky characters who come into their lives.

The film is beautifully bedecked in vibrant Indian culture and colours, complemented by a lively background score, weaving together a rich tapestry of ethnic sounds with modern tunes. Gurinder Chadha, celebrated for her well-known and critically acclaimed 'Bend it like Beckham,' has once again adeptly portrayed the Indian diaspora in the UK, though this time mixed with a dose of supernatural comedy and romance.

Characters of all shapes and sizes, with their own idiosyncrasies and peculiar ways, create an absurdly comic atmosphere that underlines the film. Among these characters are British actors Steve Morphew and Steve Jones, whose performances create a great deal of hilarity and add to the escalating tension and confusion on the screen. The actors, in their respective roles, navigate through the wacky, supernatural world that the film creates, providing ample laughter and entertainment to the viewers.

The film, at its core, endeavours to highlight universal themes of love and family, even amid the most peculiar circumstances. It seamlessly intertwines dark humour with a light-hearted narrative that constantly amuses viewers and keeps them glued to the proceedings until the end. Family relationships, societal pressure, and the matters of the heart are examined through the lens of both reality and the absurd, providing a unique and entertaining perspective.

Both visually and narratively engaging, It's a Wonderful Afterlife is a riotous romp, offering viewers a paradoxical combination of fear and delight. Between the juxtaposition of dark elements with comedic situations, and the contrasting cultural dynamics of modern British society with traditional Indian norms, the film presents light-hearted entertainment, leaving viewers both stirred and charmed.

In essence, It's a Wonderful Afterlife uses its unconventional blend of comedy, romance, and the supernatural to keep audiences engaged, entertained, and leaving the theatre with a sense of mirth and amusement. A film truly befitting its title, it is indeed a wonderful, heartwarming cinematic experience that offers a unique perspective on life, love, and the afterlife.