The Boy With the Topknot

The 2017 movie, The Boy with the Topknot, is an exceptional British television drama that perfectly manoeuvres through elements of comedy, emotion, family dynamics, and identity. Directed by the talented Lynsey Miller and penned down by Mick Ford, the film stars Sacha Dhawan as the protagonist, alongside Deepti Naval, and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles. The drama is a brilliant adaptation of the critically acclaimed memoir of the same name, written by Sathnam Sanghera, and offers viewers an intriguing glimpse into the author's life and experiences.

Sacha Dhawan's terrific acting prowess shines through the complex character of Sathnam Sanghera, a British-Indian journalist with a tumultuous past and a challenging present, layered with confusion and the desperate need to find a sense of belonging. Dhawan's portrayal of this character empathises with the audience and takes them on a journey of self-discovery, identity crisis, love and family loyalty.

Set in the engaging backdrop of metropolitan London, the story revolves around Sanghera – an ambitious, successful, Oxford-educated journalist working for The Times, living a life far from his traditional Sikh upbringing in Wolverhampton. Dhawan delivers a compelling performance as Sanghera, masterfully encapsulating the emotional turmoil, fraught familial relationships, and identity confusion his character goes through.

Deepti Naval, portraying Sathnam's mother, and Anupam Kher, playing Sathnam's father, both Bollywood veterans, bring to life the parental figures, complete with their insecurities, cultural shock at their new surroundings, and the struggle to adjust to their son's London lifestyle. Naval's emotional portrayal of a devoted mother and Kher's dramatic representation of a stern, somewhat ailing father trying to hold onto his Punjabi roots, against the dynamic landscape of British culture are indeed heart-touching.

The narrative takes a sensitive approach to cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and mental health, all seen through Sathnam's perspective. As he embarks on a journey to understand his family's history, particularly the mental health battles his father and sister fight, he's compelled to confront his own beliefs, familial relationships, and makes peace with his past. His internal struggle to balance his British lifestyle with his Sikh roots plays a pivotal role in the story. The film skillfully weaves through his emotional journey, romantic pursuits, his struggling career and his search for personal understanding.

Despite its heavy themes, The Boy with the Topknot still thrives in effortlessly integrating comedy into the narrative. The infusion of lighthearted, whimsical moments within the severe narrative provides a sense of respite and balance. Sanghera's humorous take on his own life helps lighten the mood, while still addressing critical issues of racial and cultural identity struggles, alienation, familial expectations, and acceptance.

At the heart of The Boy with the Topknot, however, lies a tale steeped in love. It narrates the different aspects of love very subtly and beautifully - a mother's undying love for her children, a father's protective love, and the love for one's country and culture. It also lets the audience in on the complexity of romantic love, as Sathnam grapples with his feelings towards his English girlfriend. These elements bring out the intensity of emotional struggles the protagonist faces and draw the audience effectively into the narrative.

To conclude, The Boy with the Topknot is an absorbing take on life's complexities, exploring themes of cultural identity, mental health, and love with great sensitivity. It's laden with commendable performances by a talented ensemble cast and punctuated by a story that speaks profoundly to those torn between their cultural roots and the society they live in. The narrative has been beautifully captured, making it an absolute must-watch.