Keeping Up With The Kandasamys (KUWTK) is a leap in the right direction. It is a landmark film for Indian storytelling in South Africa. – Shevaal Singh
Made from the heart and set in Chatsworth, KUWTK takes audiences on a journey into a suburb that is home to many South African Indians. The movie purely shares a true and realistic reflection of two very contrasting families who both live in Chatsworth. It was a pleasure watching a movie about South African Indians where there are no stereotypical characters. It is filled with a myriad of entertainment. KUWTK is an authentic combination of a neighbourhood rivalry or the ‘modern day Romeo-Juliet’ infused with overbearing mums and tasteful comedy with moments of true emotion and honesty.
Jailoshi Naidoo is by far one of the finest South African actors of our time, she has the ability to make you feel her emotions onscreen as she represents career driven women of today, who wants to provide her child with the best in life. KUWTK unveils an unseen side to Maeshni Naicker as she represents women who love caring for their families with a kitchen filled with delicious food and a welcoming environment. There are moments of deep emotion where both leading ladies will leave you speechless. They share a chemistry that is natural with brilliant comic timing. Their onscreen husbands, Rajesh Gopie and Koobeshen Naidoo add a good balance to these dominant female characters.
Madhushan Singh and Mishqah Parthiephal have truly flourished into wonderful actors. They effortlessly represent the current generation of young adults, their portrayal was real, natural and believable. Ayah essayed by Mariam Bassa is a lovable character that many will relate to, she is the typical grandmother who says some of the funniest things with a straight face, her character was superbly written. Cameo performances by Rory Booth, Alisha Authbehari, Neil Govender and others added great moments to this entertainer.
Director Jayan Moodley brought a thoroughly entertaining vision to life. The movie exquisitely showcases the locals of Chatsworth, Howard College UKZN, North Beach and other parts of Durban. The cinematography was excellent, editing was crisp and clean. The dialogues were well written with the right amount of Durban-spice, wit, deep emotion and rib-tickling comedy. The movie was written by Jayan Moodley and Rory Booth. The music and background score was apt and on point. It features music by Kyle Deutsch and The Parlotones.
Keeping Up With The Kandasamys was produced by award-winning duo Helena Spring (Academy Award Nominee and Mbokodo-winner) and the late Junaid Ahmed (who sadly passed away in November 2016) in association with M-Net, the DTI and NFVF, with distribution by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment and will be released in cinemas, nationwide, on 3 March 2017.
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