South Asian representation in cinema has come a long way, with increased visibility and recognition in the last few years. However, despite the progress made, it is important to acknowledge that there is still work to be done to ensure more authentic and inclusive portraits of the diverse South Asian community in cinema and provide opportunities for South Asian filmmakers and actors to tell their stories on their own terms. In this regard, director Isher Sahota – of extensive television experience – has teamed up with writer James Hey and producer Jon Tarcy of independent production company Bonaparte Films, to bring to the public “The Effects of Lying”, a British comedy/drama with an all-Asian cast. “The Effects of Lying” is the first feature film for Sahota and Tarcy and has been acquired by the streaming service ITVX.
The Effects of Lying is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Some men are very much defined by the roles they play within their families, as fathers, husbands, brothers or sons. The film immediately informs us that Naveen (Ace Bhatti) is one of them; he is the loyal husband of Sangeeta (Laila Rouass) and the loving father of Simran (Lauren Patel), forming the typical middle class British family living in a leafy area of London. The only glitches seem to be provided by Simran going through some sort of late adolescent strops, but a series of more worrying and unforeseen events are waiting to happen. When one morning Naveen unexpectedly goes back home after noticing he had forgotten something, he is surprised to find his daughter furtively binging on cereals, but more surprised to realize his wife is locked in their bedroom with another man. Moreover, poor Naveen is even more surprised to discover who the other man is. After these shocking bombshells and the epiphany of his failure as a father and husband, something more deeply affecting is at his door, in the shape of Brian (Mark Williams), who has been helping Naveen in digging into a distant past and untangling family secrets.
Naveen's word is abruptly turned upside down and while he is trying to save his relationship with Simran, assisted by Sangeeta's mother Pryia (Shaheen Khan), his polar-opposite-character brother Harvinder (Navin Chowdry) is dealing (or better, not dealing) with their senile father. Decidedly, this is not a good day for Naveen as secrets and lies keep unveiling in a chain reaction mode, but maybe this crisis could initiate the changes Naveen had always feared or avoided and give him the unique opportunity of a fresh start.
Check also this interview
The United Kingdom has a large South Asian diaspora, and their stories and experiences have found their way onto the big screen, contributing to the cultural fabric of British cinema. In the past, South Asian characters in British films were often relegated to stereotypical roles, portraying taxi drivers, corner shop owners, or victims of racism. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards more diverse and authentic representations of South Asians in British cinema. Filmmakers and actors from South Asian backgrounds have been at the forefront of this change, working to challenge stereotypes and present a more nuanced and accurate representation of the South Asian community.
What you see watching “The Effects of Lying” is a gripping dramedy, with a distinct British dark comedic flavor, where the protagonists are – by pure chance – of South Asian origin. As strange as it may sound, this seems to be precisely the intent of the filmmakers; bringing more authentic and non-ethnicity-bound narratives to mainstream audiences with excellent actors of South Asian descent, cast in the leading roles. The film stays away from any kind of stereotype related to the ethnicity. On the contrary, it is particularly refreshing to see a strong and sweet father/daughter bond which is not so commonly portrayed in films, and above all, a great care in fleshing out the female characters, also through a rather empowering portrayal of their sexual desires and experiences; from Sangeeta with her frustrations and her suppressed appetites, to Pryia, a surprisingly modern woman, to the young Simran, a central figure in Naveed's life and played by the excellent young actress Lauren Patel.
“The Effects of Lying” has been filmed on a tight budget in only 12 days with the positive outcome of resembling a theatrical play and the hand-held camera and the naturalistic photography, contribute to this lifelike effect. However, all the talents are far from looking on a budget, being all accomplished professionals, and this really shines through.
One note is that the humour could be challenging for some, as the story descends into dark places at times, but doesn't life do the same? Despite some classic comedy tropes scattered here and there, do not expect a laugh-out-loud kind of entertaining, but more an intelligent, relatable and humour-laced drama, with lots of hints for reflection.
