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The films of Mira Nair have brought mixed reviews. After the critically acclaimed "Salaam Bombay!" (1988), the films that followed never quite enjoyed the same success. "Monsoon Wedding" sees her back with a vengeance, and has already earned her the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Set in present day Delhi, this comedy-drama focuses on the Punjabi Verma family, who are about to celebrate their daughter's marriage. With days to go, the final preparations are chaotically put in place amidst the arrival of the extended family. However, things get tense among the family members when hidden agendas, secrets, and fears threaten to disrupt the wedding. And destroy family relationships for good.

As Nair is noted for tackling difficult issues, it's no surprise to find that this is not just a film about a wedding. She cleverly uses it as a guide to examine the stresses and strains facing a family in modern Delhi. Like India, the Verma family are in a period of transition, where new attitudes to sex and class are fast developing - challenging the existing mores and values.

Paedophilia, secret trysts, bitterness, and resentment within marriage are all thrown in. Nair doesn't treat the issues lightly. She allows each character to confront their problems openly and honestly. In doing so, she successfully creates the opportunity for tense drama, which does not stifle the overall feelgood nature of the film, or impede the finale's (somewhat cheesy) confirmation of family love.

In Hindi with English subtitles.

See a clip from the movie.