WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What governs attraction when it comes to someone we fall for? Is it simply chemistry? Is it some innate calling from within ourselves to a like soul? Or can it be that sometimes, we’ve stepped into what seems ideal only to find it isn’t what we really wanted at all? In the tropical paradise that is Trinidad and Tobago, Anita Panchouri (Natalie Perera) has come to celebrate her upcoming marriage to a highly successful businessman, Bharat Kumar (Staz Nair). With a financial future more than set, and a project her ambitious though in debt father Ram (Kabir Bedi) has in process, all seems like clear sailing. A chance meeting with a returning back home musician Lee de Leon (Machel Montano), however, changes everything.
Finding a completely abrupt and unforeseen attraction to Lee, Anita’s assurance about the direction of her upcoming life suddenly swerves considerably. Knowing her commitment to Bharat is paramount, she dodges Lee’s ever-present advances, yet finds it hard to resist his carefree outlook, attitude, and musical stylings, especially as she has become Lee’s muse. As the engagement party and subsequent events occur that bring Anita into Lee’s path, she faces ramifications of choice even as she attempts to play matchmaker for her sister Poorvi (Teneille Newallo) and soon-to-be bother-in-law Partiv (Rahul Nath), avoid Bharat’s scheming brother Nikhil (Valmike Rampersad), and learn to be who she truly desires to be from best friend Lalima (Cindy F. Daniel). Soon, it becomes whether to stay in a passionless relationship for the sake of her father, or to follow her heart and experience being treasured and loved.
Next, my Mind:
In his second major theatrical film effort, director Todd Kessler invokes the wonderful simplicity that is Summer with this uncomplicated, breezy, delightful, and solidly dramatic island-based tale that illustrates the ever common but, honestly, never out-of-date concept about how love should truly be, plus having to confront the person you really are when challenged with it via sense of familial duty vs. genuine affection and desirability. Taking full advantage of the film’s lush settings, straightforward cinematography whisks the viewer in and out of the venues the narrative takes us through, from deep blue ocean, to beautiful homes, to the streets filled with celebratory music and Carnivale revelers. Speaking of music, all contained within the film is courtesy of actor/musician Montano, who more than showcases both talents in this project.
Perera delivers an endearing performance as the beautiful, perky, charming, and doting Anita, whose entire world is turned upside down in one initial moment of connection with another human being thanks to a shared appreciation of one song overheard by chance. Navigating a tricky path of listening to one’s mind and common sense while feeling the pull of one’s inner sentiment, Perera infuses Anita with a believably torn mentality about the situation and how to deal with it. Likewise, and as hinted above, Montano is wonderful as Lee, giving him the romantic demeanor which one would expect should sweep a woman off her feet, much less adding the fact his musical prowess and writing is affecting and catchy in itself. The pair’s moments together are immersed with the necessary tension, but not so much as to seem too melodramatic, and it is undeniable the palpable sparks that fly between them.
A huge, well-chosen ensemble cast surrounds the two leads, and each brings key elements to the primary story, while being fleshed out in their own rights. Nair is the prototypical “perfect guy” as Anita’s fiancé. Rampersad is effective as a weasely though perhaps misunderstood Nikhil. Newallo and Nath are hilarious as an initially awkward but then sweet new couple. Daniel is persuasive as Anita’s voice of conscious and reason. Veteran Bedi plays father figure to a “T”, and additional support from RemBunction, Kriss Dosanjh, and Chris Paul Smith complete the proceedings. In total, “Bazodee” is a fun, playful, soul-stirring, emotive indie drama and a satisfying, entertaining one via its pseudo-Bollywood overtones, winning music, and fantastic cast, all of which is a great combo for this Summer season.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
