Patiala House hits Olympia Theatre

Impeccably timed to coincide with the World Cup 2011, the release of cricket based movie Patiala House, at Olympia Theatre in Maradana, marks a turning point for the theatre.  After a soft refurbishment, Olympia is geared for many more new releases to come.  

Set in Southhall, England, Patiala House is a Hindi film which opens with an Indian immigrant family’s encounter with racism in the 1970s.  The steadfast head of the family’s fight against racism shapes and improves the lives of the entire community.  Times change but Bauji (Rishi Kapoor) refuses to.  The lead protagonist Gattu (Akshay Kumar) is an exceptional fast bowler who gives up his dream and opportunity to play for the English national team because his father, Bauji, is against him playing for the “Angrez”. Trouble brews when the younger generation wants to achieve their dreams but their aspirations are silenced by Gattu’s obedience.

Life however gives Gattu a second chance when he is asked to play once again.  Enter Anushka Sharma, true to her character as the bubbly Simran, Gattu’s love interest and pillar of strength who makes him realize that he is ‘drowning‘.  Simran and the extended family encourage and support Gattu who then decides to play while hiding this fact from Bauji.  But what happens when eventually Bauji does find out? Will Gattu give up his dream again, at the peak of his career or defy his father and face the disappointment he has so painstakingly evaded for the past 17 years?

All in all, Patiala House is a must watch.  It connects with viewers who identify with the movie as reminiscent of their own struggles.  The movie screens at New Olympia Theatre, 95 T.B. Jaya Mawatha, Colombo 10 at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm.  The cinema is contactable on 112685636 for further information.