Patiala House (2011) User Reviews (36)

A good entertainer with a nice message

[niteshruparel · 6/10 · 13 February 2011]

Hi Folks! Hope all you readers are doing well and I also hope that this review would be helpful to you.

The most important thing that drew me to the Silver Screen to watch Patiala House was Rishiji, Dimple, Anushka and the song Lashkara. With 13 disappointments in a row from Akshay Kumar, I almost had dropped my plan to watch the movie for him but the above reason surely worked in my favor.

Patiala House is a story of a Sikh family – UK Citizens, living in Mini Punjab - Southall. The Sikhs have a leader named Bauji (Mr. Rishi Kapoor) who is a local dictator. He has a son Gattu (Akshay Kumar) living a miserable life, deprived of his rights to play cricket for England Cricket Team. The movie further leads to his fight to prove to his father that things have changed and the Indian Origin UK Citizens enjoy same rights as UK Origin Citizens.

This movie starts with Gattu narrating his thoughts and the way he leads life. The first half does develop your excitement on how the movie and its characters revolve around each other. Nikhil Advani has done a decent job in the first half where Gattu's character grows and so does Simran's.

You will definitely have smile on your face almost in the entire first half. Certain serious scenes too have been treated very well, especially when a family member calls Gattu his father's loyal dog. On reaching the 2nd half, you do get excited on how the movie would grow further. Here too, Nikhil has done a good job in narrating and creating the excitement where Gattu finally decides to go against Bauji and play for England Cricket Team. But the entire credit goes to all the actors involved in the movie (including Akshay Kumar who has acted well surprisingly) to make this script lively.

The movies looses its charm post the 1st 20 minutes in the 2nd half when the selection criteria starts and when Gattu is showed playing cricket and blowing against Andrew Symonds from Australia. The entire situation that is created by the director is extremely mellow dramatic and could have been much much better. You tend to get bored till the time the movie reaches its climax where Gattu is showed entering the stadium from the stands instead of pavilion. Nikhil had a very good story and one definitely is happy to see such movies being made but when the vision in unclear, you tend to loose control and I strongly feel that this is what happened with Nikhil. He could have treated the end very well where instead of the typical mellow dramatic approach; he could have given the climax more realistic approach. The match portion is okay but not great as was the hockey match situation that was created in Chak De. Though I don't want to compare any movie with Patiala House, I am forced to since somewhere some portions could have been really treated very well and here the director is the most important person involved.

Rishiji, Dimple, Anushka and other actors deserve applaud since they have taken certain scenes to different level of excitement.

The music is good and you would definitely enjoy the visuals of all songs. There are 2 songs that I would urge you all to enjoy to the fullest; Biba and Lashkara.I thoroughly enjoyed both these songs.

On the whole, Patiala House is worth a watch but post the movie, you have this very though that the 2nd have could have been treated much better than it has been. The movie leaves smile on your face when its over.

But I don't want to miss the opportunity to thank Nikhil and the team of Patiala House for making this movie which has a different story, its overall approach and screenplay.

Worth while watch

[ian959 · 6/10 · 21 May 2011]

Okay, first up I suppose I best say that this is the best film Akshay Kumar has done for a long time. Whilst he will never be a great actor, at least here he does an excellent job with a character that could have been a disaster. No over the top performance, this is a measured effort that conveys the character's inner turmoils very well.

The rest of the cast also do a fine job. Rishi Kapoor is always excellent and does a very creditable job as the head of the house. Dimple Kapadia plays his wife with sensitivity and purpose, although she is under utilised and perhaps underwritten and subservient in the screenplay. Anushka Sharma also does an excellent job in a role that could quite easily have devolved into a mess. I quite fancy that, on the evidence of her first four films, we may potentially be seeing the emergence of a new Queen of Bollywood.

The film itself is a very interesting look at the family in an Indian household in Southall, London, where traditional values are being undermined somewhat by the younger generation being more influenced by the cosmopolitan opportunities of a more accepting London than that which their parents faced.

The only real complaint I have with the film is that too many characters were brought to the fore and it results in a bit of confusion as to who is who. However, that aside, the screenplay is good, the film has a sense of purpose and moves forward at a nice pace. There is no unnecessary sentimentality brought into play and the end result is a film that does not scale great heights of classic cinema but is an eminently watchable film that deals with its subject matter very well.

Family drama served in a 'Patiala Peg'!

[ssvikas · 5/10 · 16 February 2011]

A Punjabi family in London, father scarred by racial discrimination, child not allowed to play a sport. Haven't we seen it in 2002 in 'Bend it Like Beckham'? But the drama in this flick is more akin to the 2005 golf drama starring Shia LaBeouf, 'The Greatest Game Ever Played'. Just watch them both as the game ends; you'll notice!

Rishi Kapoor plays Gurtej Singh Kahlon, a patriarch who runs his large joint family with an iron-fist and holds a sway over the Indian dominated suburb of Southall where racists are kept at bay and Indian cricket victories are celebrated with fanfare.

Akshay Kumar plays his son, Gattu who has sacrificed his dream of playing cricket for England in the fire of his father's stubbornness. The rest of his family follows suit. Enter a silver lining in the form of a spirited Simran (Anushka Sharma) and her brother, the Patiala House now dares to think of a way out.

So, what does this movie offer? There's plentiful drama, family values that conflict with young dreams. You also get to see Hard Kaur singing Bhajans and a 34-year old getting to debut for the national T20 team simply based on a selector who's seen his backyard bowling. Laughable premises in a quintessential Bollywood drama! But, to its credit, you don't see a father yelling 'Chak-de-Phatte' to his son in the stadium.

But the film is however not about cricket. Coherent with the theme, it focuses on the father-son conflict arising from a generation gap and change in circumstances. But, the filmmakers exercise just enough caution not to show an England vs. India match, thus avoiding a possible double-whammy, and central theme losing focus.

In fact, after a bucket-load of lame comedies, it is good to see Akshay Kumar in a serious role after a long time. He deserves applause for aptly playing man who lives as a shadow of himself but with the fire still burning bright within. Anushka Sharma has surely developed since her 'Rab-ne' days especially after 'Band Baaja Baaraat'.

Should you watch this movie? Not if you are paying through your nose for an evening show in an up-market multiplex. But for Akshay Kumar's performance and Anushka's undeniable screen presence, you can give it a shot when it hits the small screen.

Tradition Vs Dreams

[aafreen-karim · 8 March 2011]

Patiala House:A perfect dish with all ingredients in the right measure..Anushka's bubbly character, Punjabi background, our original bobby couple Rishi and Dimple, the omnipresent Indian Shaadi and cricket.The film essentially debates the eternal Indian subject whether to put our dreams/wishes on the back burner for what tradition/parents demand or go against them to find success and happiness in pursuing our dreams. This movie really surprised me because i expected a gloomy tale looking at the trailers but Akshay's glum character is suitably balanced by the rebellious streak in all other well cast members , anushka's charm, her kid brother, and the wonderful track of Hard Kaur the singer which was a surprise once again and above all with fun songs well and differently picturised with no romantic songs/dream sequences in the swizz alps.highlight of the movie is when akshay manages to get the final wicket and i had a smile and moist eyes at the same time. Well done Akshay, a first for your acting capabilities.Kudos to lyricist.."Mujhe Yunhi karke Khabon Se Juda, Jaane Kahan Chupke Baitha Hai Khuda, Janoon na main kab hua Khudse Gumshuda" ..great stuff!!!Go, watch and have FUN this weekend.

grown up from CHOPRA era...!

[adverd · 3/10 · 12 February 2011]

film is bit copy or inspire from here & their. director trying to satisfied everyone from HERO to Punjabi community lives in UK. producer & so on. I don't revile the story. we already seen so many films about cricket, Indian people lives abroad & racism. this film also have all this ingredients. screenplay is not well enough written. so few question i like to ask to writer & director of the film (NIKHIL ADVANI) (1)- why RISHI KAPOOR settle in UK, if he patriot about India. (2)- why RISHI KAPOOR was rude with his children. (3)- what ANUSHKA was doing in film. how she survive. she have only motivation to hang around AKSHAY KUMAR. (4)- if RISHI KAPOOR don't allow to A.KUMAR to watch cricket than how he allow him to do net-practice for cricket. (5)- if A.KUMAR has decided that he follow his father's wishes then why he was doing cricket practice at night & hiding from the family. (6)- it's impossible that A.KUMAR playing cricket in UK team & RISHI KAPOOR don't know. RISHI KAPOOR was on a top for his performance. he was mind blowing. his face expression & particularly body language. I suppose he should get award for best supporting actor.

Film was completely predictable. you know that what going to happen in next seen & might be you don't care that what going to happen in next seen.

Dull, slow ball...

[kunalkhandwala · 6/10 · 3 March 2011]

In the aftermath of 'Kal Ho Na Ho', director Nikhil Advani has had to wonder about his films lasting in theaters till the day after their release. Evidently, his challenges have been in script, story, music, performances as well as the hype they generate. Two years after his 'Chandhi Chowk to China' debacle, warning signals were set off with the previews of Patiala House....and rightly so. The issues still persist but what comes as a shocker now, is the lack of originality in story. Patiala House, only decent in some parts, is a dampener of sorts with melodrama etched all over its tired plot.

Far too often have we seen an obdurate father curtailing the aspirations of his talented son who eventually, has to break out. When that talent revolves around cricket, comparisons with 'Iqbal' are inevitable and there, the film falls like wickets on a yorker delivery. Gurtej Kahlon (Rishi Kapoor) confronts the unjust discrimination inflicted upon his family by a group of Englishmen with non-violent protests that called for rights and change. Years later, after making lives better for his community in Southall, Kahlon's obdurate attitude towards the English prevents his son Gattu, from realizing his dreams of playing cricket for England's national team. Forced indirectly into a lifestyle as a shopkeeper, Gattu lives on to adhere to every command of his father's by sacrificing his dreams. As a result of his passive nature, he is not a favorite among his family of dreamers and it all looks hopeless till Simran (Anushka Sharma) enters his life, dominating his decisions and pushing him towards the try-outs for the English team selection.

Anushka Sharma is perhaps the saving grace of the film. Her outspoken, bubbly attitude serve well to contrast the passive, soft spoken Gattu. She looks beautiful and seems to play such a role naturally, like she did in 'Band baaja baraat'. Rishi Kapoor's character is difficult to like even though, he is the most charming actor out there. Akshay Kumar's passive Gattu lacks intensity or a likable attribute to it. Even his bowling style doesn't have a secret weapon that we can look forward to in every game nor does the game last long enough for us to feel excited. Helplessly, we look back at the brilliance depicted in Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Iqbal' that had all these elements right, with some great performances but alas; Patiala House fails to deliver the excitement, fun, intensity or the emotional connection that can engage you.

Kyon main jagoon by Shafaqat Amanat Ali is repeated several times and is the only noteworthy track in the album. Even Hard Kaur fails to create magic in Role pe Gaya while the rest of the tracks are just forgettable.

Nikhil Advani has an ensemble cast of cricketers at his disposal with names such as Nasser Hussain, Symonds, Brendon McCullum, Pollard among others. It makes it interesting only in the beginning. Then, when you realize that these cricketers are not really adding any value to the debilitating script through the games, they seem like the rest of the cast. Another big issue with the film is the melodrama that Advani incessantly bowls at us. We are used to cinematic liberty taken by directors but here, we see dramatic liberty to its extreme. Kaali's final over against Australia lasts long enough for his family to make up their minds to go to the stadium, drive through London, buy tickets and then witness the dramatic last ball. Nikhil Advani is really making fun of his audience.....

Another disappointment for Akshay Kumar and his fans, another flop in Advani's list and a wake up call to other big names who rely on their past credentials to bring the moolah in. It's not going to work.

• 6.43 on a scale of 1-10.

East is East + Bend It like Beckham = Patiala House

[varuna12 · 3/10 · 23 February 2011]

It is a bad, bad, BAD film!!! Terrible script, screenplay, story! Music sucks! Not even a single song is memorable!!!

Akshay's performance is brilliant but wasted in a wasted film! Rishi Kapoor ji is brilliant but wasted! Dimple Kapadia ji were brilliant but wasted!

Why was Anoushka overacting? Was it all required! The family has been raised in UK but none of the younger generation had accents! The film cannot be categorised in any genre because it was a khichadi or risotto of sorts! Rather silly!

I couldn't believe our filmmakers can still make such bad films! What has happened to Mr.Advani, only god or CIA can tell! Seriously disappointed!!!

Has the potential but falls short

[AnonymousbutDilpreet002 · 4/10 · 28 July 2018]

Although I didn't like this film but I must admit that the idea was good . Something new for Bollywood . But that was completely lost in execution . The prime reason is it's incredibly weak script.

The character introduction of Bauji was stupid and something you can find in any bollywood film. He himself had left his country and started living in England but doesn't allow his son to play for England . Anyway, the film is not on nationalism. It was about Cricket . And the way the they have shown the national team selection is childish. He comes at the selection on final day, bowls one over and get selected for the National team . That's it ? No need for playing first class cricket. And the scenes where they hide the truth from Bauji are not believable. First half is very unsatisfactory. But the film was not that bad. Second half is interesting . It's better than many sports dramas a player can do anything once he sees his family in the crowd. But , the climax is again unconvincing .

All actors did a fine job , music was good , camera work was okay but they chose the wrong script. Overall , it is a watchable flick but very unrealistic and logically flawed.

Akshay's unique film but fails

[silvan-desouza · 3/10 · 14 November 2013]

Akshay has been unlucky when he tries to experiment, be it Tasveer or Once Upon A Time recently. This film is something different from Akshay's hammy films, here he plays a crickeeter who wants to join England team but his father is too patriotic.

In fact one fails to understand why his father doesn't return to Punjab then? But yet this concept could be better treated but Nikhil Advani resorts to age old melodrama and clichés?

Direction by Nikhil Advani is so-so Music is okay

Akshay Kumar doesn't look young anymore to pass off as a 20 something but does a good job, Anushka for the first time outside YRF camp does an okay job in a not demanding role, Dimple Kapadia is superb while Rishi too excels in his part rest are okay

Is this Movie worth a Watch ???

[bk_connection · 9/10 · 16 February 2011]

I haven't written movie comments for years, but I feel like this movie deserves a review.

I am one of those guys who has been cursing Akshay Kumar the last 2 years for making stupid movies, and getting a lot of popularity for cheap scale movies which has done big on the Box Office screen....I never really understood why people are so fund of watching the same comedy movies over and over Until the comedy aspect dies in the movie and it gets painful to watch the movie example: Action Replay, Tees Mar Khan etc.

BUT PATIALA HOUSE made me think different regarding Akshay Kumar and his acting....this movie Akki played very well, and showed his acting skills and he deserves to get credit for that. The show stealer in this movie is Rishi Kapoor, he was perfect as Akki's father and made a powerful impact. Rest of the cast was good and acted very matured and it was good to see Dimple Kapadia again...Anushka Sharma is a delight to watch, every entry she makes the crowd smile, and I can see her one day becoming a top actress in Bollywood.

so Is this movie worth a One time Watch: YES and Is this movie worth a Two time Watch: YES

Go for this movie, its worth every single cent.

A remake of Chak de India!

[rhik · 2/10 · 2 March 2011]

Definitely this movie is all set in Britain, tries to deal with the sentiments of the Indians who settled abroad in the hope of a better life, and the atrocities they supposedly faced on foreign land, but this movie has no good script and is a vague imitation of SRK's Chak de, although in a different setup! Quite impractical as bollywood flick generally are, a bowler who hasn't practiced for 17 yrs except in the dark of the night, comes and changes the scenario for the England cricket team, an underutilization of Akshay's acting skills. The only watchable thing is Anushka's expressions and how she is evolving into a professional actress so quickly since the days of RNBDJ! And ya, HardKaur should not try this other career alternative! She is better of with her rap, off stage than on it! Three cheers to Anushka Sharma! Wish you good luck.

Have the times really changed in England ?

[jmathur_swayamprabha · 12 August 2011]

I watched this movie when it was released in February 2011. At that time, I thought the subject matter of the movie was not relevant contemporarily, however suddenly the riots in London have made me feel that perhaps the movie makers must have experienced something like premonition or telepathy that he chose the theme of the movie which was not only true a few decades back but it has again come true after a few months of the movie's release - the hate-filled attacks on the Asians in England, especially London. The movie tells the story of a Sikh family settled in Southall and now the English authorities are praising the spirit of the people (mainly Indians) settled in Southall only in checking this avoidable havoc.

Southall is considered a mini India in London and when the astray, unemployed and spoilt English youths are presently on a rampage in London and adjacent towns, the movie appears to be all the more relevant and I feel that by coincidence, it became a movie ahead of its time. The moviemaker has made in the fashion of a masala flick only, intermixing comedy and emotions to the optimum; however, by default, now it has become practically relevant too because the Indians and the other Asians presently being attacked and looted in London must be feeling the same way, the main protagonist of this movie (Rishi Kapoor) feels towards the English.

Gurtej Singh Kahlon (Rishi Kapoor) becomes an anti-English when his family is attacked by the English brats and his uncle (Prem Chopra) is killed in the anti-Indian riots. He unites all the Indians living in Southall and go for a lot of development for them through his sheer hard work and dedication. Due to his efforts, not only the Indians prosper there but also his own family becomes a reputed one, settled in a house known as Patiala House. However, his anti-British sentiments cost his talented Cricketer son - Pargat Singh Kahlon (Akshay Kumar) when he is not able to play for England at the international level. Years pass and due to his anti-British fervour, his young family members start feeling suffocated. Since Pargat is completely dedicated to his father and he has willingly sacrificed his ambitions for his father's sentiments, he is the only man in the family who does not have any grudge against the head of the family, i.e., Gurtej or Baauji. However, his heart weeps at his shattered dream of playing international Cricket. Only his mother (Dimple Kapadia) understands and feels his pain. Else everybody in Patiala House only mocks him.

I don't know how many people in the real world are lucky enough to get a second chance to fulfil their dreams. However, in at least two contemporary movies, I have seen life providing a second opportunity to the protagonists. Firstly, it's Meghana Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) in Fashion (2008) and secondly, it's Pargat Singh Kahlon who being a fast bowler, gets a chance to play for England at an age when usually the sportspersons seek retirement from playing. How Pargat avails this second opportunity provided to him by the destiny to turn his long-cherished, yet unfulfilled dream into reality and how it leads to an emotional confrontation between the anti-British father and his beloved son, forms the bulk of the narrative which is highly appealing.

Patiala House could have become a great movie because it's a movie which contains its heart in the right place. The emotional drama which is the essence of the movie has been presented very well on the screen and it not only moves the audience but also inspires the youths not to lose heart and pursue whatever they are passionate about.

However due to commercial constraints, the director could not convert this good movie into a great movie. The post-interval session has been wrapped in comedy in which the family members are busy in preventing Baauji from watching TV (lest he should see his son - Pargat aka Gattu playing on the screen). The songs and dances block the flow of the narrative.

Music composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is admirable because most of the songs are hummable and enjoyable. However there is only one song - Kyun Main Jaagoon which is in sync with the theme of the movie. This sentimental song has been penned by Anvita Dutt Guptan and sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali.

Akshay Kumar and Rishi Kapoor have delivered towering performances in the central roles of father-son duo. It's, by all means, one of Akshay's five best performances. Rishi Kapoor is a legend now and Dimple perfectly compliments him (though she gets proper scope in the final phase of the movie only). Anushka Sharma as the young heroine is lively and energetic and her mere presence infuses life into this serious movie. The complete supporting cast has done well. The presence of many real life Cricketers has added value to the movie. I don't know the names of the actors but I wholeheartedly admire those who have played the roles of young Rishi Kapoor and young Akshay Kumar. Theirs are heart-conquering performances.

I recommend this flop and underrated movie to all those Indians (whether settled in India or abroad) who are proud to be so. However when I contrast this movie with the violence presently taking place in London and nearby towns, I wonder whether the filmmaker is right in conveying his message that now there is no ethnic bias against the Indians (or the Asians) in general. Have the times really changed in England ?

Its more a Rishi Kapoor film than a Akshay Kumar venture with a not so convincing second half.

[bobbysing · 5/10 · 8 April 2011]

Writing about PATIALA HOUSE, firstly I would like to thrash all controversies and objections raised by some SIKH Individuals or Organisations regarding the clean shaven look of Akshay as the son of a Sikh character played by Rishi Kapoor. The very first 15 minutes of the film clarify everything about the look and I must say that the director Nikhil Advani does that very convincingly.

Truly speaking PATIALA HOUSE may be a better movie as compared to Askhay's all recent releases but at the same time it's also not anything too good or exceptional when we talk about entertainment. The film remains a half baked product with a good first half and a very unconvincing second with everything predictable till the climax. Though the script keeps introducing new twists in the story post intermission, but still the overall impact on the viewer just remains an average one.

Among the merits of the movie, one can undoubtedly rate the performances of Rishi Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Anushka on the top of all in that particular sequence. And those complaining that Akshay has been repeating himself lately, surely get to see a new Akshay in the film, who is calm, sober and cool playing an underdog. But frankly, after watching PH you just feel OK and don't have anything great to say about the movie experience on the whole.

And there are many factors responsible for this average kind of impact which are given below: 1. The story of PATIALA HOUSE at once reminds you of BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM.In addition to this it also reminds you of GOAL which talked about a similar racialism issue with a different background. So the inspirational angle again is right there visible vaguely.

2. The film is based on a very uneven script where everything seems to be happening very easily even at the national sports level. Where the first half is pretty fine and impressive, the second one brings in some heavily unbelievable and weird kind of sequences which are not all convincing. The whole act of hiding the developments in the team selection and then stopping Rishi Kapoor from watching the entire tournament till its FINAL, looks like written by a childish brain.

3. Post interval the film disappoints in many departments ranging from its music to all the cricket tournament scenes showing Akshay taking the limelight. Interestingly Hindi Cinema has a history of films based on cricket not doing well at the box office with an only exception of LAGAAN.

And the main factor responsible for this fact is that for some strange reasons, cricket being filmed for the silver screen has never come out to be highly entertaining or watchable in all those films, except LAGAAN & IQBAL (which was not a box office success).

Nikhil Advani's PATIALA HOUSE also suffers with the same disorder. The cricketing scenes in the film are not at all impressive with some erratic cuts and un-intelligent direction. At many places on-screen depiction of players holding a catch, doing a misfield, appealing for an out, running for saving a run-out or talking with their captain (or opponent) on the ground are nothing close to as we see it normally in a LIVE Telecast. So the film which is largely based on the game of Cricket, does not justify the Big Sport on-screen, which sadly once again proves the historical fact related to the films based on cricket.

4. Further PATIALA HOUSE plays the romance plot between Akshay and Anushka very loosely with a very questionable kind of explanation given for Anushka and her kid. The romance is never in the air and the viewers never feel like thinking about them as a pair.

5. The director also tries to incorporate the "Follow Your Passions in Life" philosophy made famous by 3 IDIOTS in his film, which unfortunately falls flat and is not able to make any kind of impact on the young viewers.

6. Musically the film is a weak venture too with only one song "Laung Da Lishkara" having some melodious notes. But what was the motive behind putting this song after the movie was literally over remains out of my understanding.

Performance wise, the film is lead by Rishi Kapoor strongly followed by Akshay Kumar playing the underdog impressively. Akshay comes up with a mature act after a long time and he has also worked hard on his bowling scenes particularly. He never goes over the top anywhere in the film contrary to his own style and delivers a fine controlled performance. But Rishi Kapoor excels himself as the SIKH father of Akshay. His getup, dialect, body language and style is highly authentic as well as entertaining. After the recent DO DOONI CHAAR, Rishi once again re- invents himself and delivers a highly polished act of an Indian Sikh living in England. To be straight, PATIALA HOUSE is more watchable for Rishi Kapoor than Akshay Kumar.

In the supporting cast, Anushka plays it real well as a half Punjabi independent girl. The girl continues to surprise me post BAND BAAJA BARAAT. But Dimple Kapadia neither looks good nor gets enough meaty scenes in the film to prove her famous skills. She gets a rough treatment since the story is mainly based upon the father-son relationship. The rest of the cast is fine with a great visual find Usman Qureshi, who exactly looks like the young Akshay Kumar in the flashback scenes.

So in all, PATIALA HOUSE can only be watched for its key performances by Rishi Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. But on a concluding note I would also like to warn that do not miss its initial 20 minutes for any reason, since those remain the most engaging moments of the movie according to me.

Patiala house a complete broken rhythm

[mukesh-chandra87 · 5/10 · 26 February 2011]

Patiala House a movie deals with Asian minority issue in England during seventies to eighties.Akshay Kumar (Parghat Singh Kahlon) who is son of Rishi Kapoor(Gurtej Kahlon) a leader of Patiala House community wants to a bowler in England cricket team.But he couldn't play because of his father hates "Gora people".Then he Sacrifice his dreams for his father.A girl Anushka (Simran)change him when he enters in age of 34.Pragat Singh Kahlon has to choose one way weather he has to follow his father's honor or he has to play for his cousins who also have dreams but due to Gurtej Kahlon they also have sacrificed their dreams.In the first half movie bounds audience with emotional touch because of Pragat Singh Kahlon is criticizes by his own cousins.After interval movie becomes flow-less because a lot of movies have been made in cricket plot.Here movie looses it's rhythm.After continuous flop show of Akshay Kumar he choose a serious role but unfortunately Patiala House couldn't proof him.Rishi Kapoor has done a good work.Also Anushka did well.Nikhil Advani is still searching for success after "Kal Ho Na Ho".Music of movie is good including hit track "Loung Da Laskara" by Hard Kaur.Script could have been better.

Should one watch this movie?

[racinrush · 5/10 · 24 August 2012]

So I have been hating Hindi movies for a while now...cuz the plots are usually so stupid and have ever cheap visual effects. Especially some of the movie that have been done by Akshay Kumar recently, because i don't know are they supposed to be funny? They really are not...

Well this movie was a little different where the acting that Akshay Kumar has done was kind of good. It is a good believable plot where the old man of the house lives in an older thinking. But they songs are good, the cast of the movie is not bad and only make it better. Although the story is a little over stretched but hey which Hindi movie isn't!

But I give this movie a 5, cuz it still an OK movie. Its not the greatest level of acting but it is still a good watch. I would watch it at least once.

Great flick !

[nisham99 · 10/10 · 12 February 2011]

The movie Patiala House has been much anticipated. Akki shouldn't be disheartened about earlier movies. i still stand by the fact that Chandi chowk was a good movie that went wrong because it was badly edited. Since "waqt"it has been a long time since we saw akki in a serious role. I can't help talking about him because he is my favourite. Fresh pairing of Akshay and Anushka adds a freshness and appeal to the film. Again additions of new actors was a good idea because it encourages people to appreciate new talent. Also a treat for lovers of Rishi Kapoor- Dimple Kapadia fans. People should appreciate this film as a movie on its own and not compare it to other cricket movies. The movie is not concentrating on cricket but on a person's dreams and aspirations. If you love akshay just like me,then you should watch it!

awesome film

[tahirdevil123 · 10/10 · 13 February 2011]

It takes us just five minutes to get the hang of this film's narrative structure. It is as nimbly-paced as a fast-bowler playing cricket in a wide-open field trying to avoid all the roar and din of the cheering crowds in the stands.

For a film that has a surprisingly large number of characters (after the 23rd Sikh-Briton running up and down the wooden staircase I stopped counting) the noise decibel is surprising low. The voice of a crowded Sikh household in London never overpowers the emotional kernel of this film.

The delicate supple bonds that grow among people, who are not just maladjusted in a foreign land but are also spiritual and emotional misfits in their own household, are brought out in vignettes that show the hand of a confident storyteller.

Nikhil Advani's admirable episodic structure of "Salaam-e-Ishq" failed because of its inordinate length. This time Advani takes no chances with the length. Economy of expression is paramount to the effectual storytelling in "Patiala House". Not that Advani shies away from taking risks. The self-assured manner in which he aggregates the characters in a house run by a patriarchal Sikh in Britain (Rishi Kapoor, firmly in command) without crowding and asphyxiating the canvas shows Advani's deep empathy with the characters who drift into his range of vision.

At heart, "Patiala House" is a father-son story. Akshay has done them before. One immediately recalls Suneel Darshan's "Ek Rishta" where Amitabh Bachchan was the father who drove son Akshay to a state of smothered silences. In "Patiala House" Akshay's silences scream in wounded protest every time papa Rishi Kapoor's iron hand falls on the boy's dreams.

In many ways the screenplay (Advani, Anvita Dutt Guptan) is a compendium of clichés -- despotic dad, timid mother (Dimple Kapadia), unfulfilled son, encouraging girlfriend, her precocious surrogate-son (he reminded me of Kajol's boy in My Name Is Khan). Advani converts familiar characters into real believable warm endearing characters whose lives begin to matter us as we watch them in their Southall setting.

The historic data about the Sikh community in Britain is kept at a bare and bearable minimum. The narrative never feels the burden of the cross-cultural migratory journey made by the plane-load of characters. And that's the film's USP.

Even as the peripheral characters make a fleeting but coherent impact (Rishi Kapoor's pregnant daughter-in-law's anguish at watching her husband being treated like a doormat is as apparent to us as the family's daughter Hard Kaur's tattoo on the arm), we are constantly seeking out the next chapter in the repressed Gattu's wretched-going-on-glorious life.

Akshay plays Gattu with a restrain that never shies away from tears. Every time he thinks of his ruined dreams a trickle of a tear comes down from the side of his cheek. It isn't done for effect. Akshay embraces Gattu's shattering dreams and makes them his own.

Is this Akshay's finest performance to date? For the sheer mastery over the heart and soul of his character and the dignity he brings to the loser's character, yes, this is Akshay's best.

Akshay and Rishi don't look like father and son. And that's the best compliment one can pay to the film's theme. How can they look like a family, when the father has spent all of his son's growing years denying the boy's sense of the self? Oh, Rishi is a bellowing volcano of arrogant prejudices. Brilliantly bravura as always, Rishi almost echoes the tyranny of Prithviraj Kapoor. His sudden reformation at the end is unconvincing. The unhurried grace of the rest of the film gives away to an urgently-claimed culmination. One can't blame Advani for abandoning the pace at the end. He knows the audience wants a hurried send-off.

Anushka Sharma remains effervescent in her volubility. But she needs to play a less talkative character.

Though scarce, the moments between Akshay and Dimple are very precious. There is a specially evocative sequence at the hospital when the invalidated Rishi Kapoor tells his screen-wife Dimple Kapadia to shut the door on their screen-son Akshay's face.

The film has some exceptionally emotional moments bolstered by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's resplendent background score. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography adds precious little to the proceedings. London doesn't seem to come alive beyond the cricket field.

The editing (Manan Sagar) could have been less generous. Portions of the narrative lose their energy. Before it sags, the director swoops up his characters' dreams into curvy shapes. The narrative never loses its way in the maze and clutter of the characters and ambitions.

Gattu finally finds his groove. The film never loses it.

good movie

[rakeshshetty · 10/10 · 11 February 2011]

What's it about: This isn't the first film to be shot in the Sikh milieu of Southall, a London suburb. However, it would be the first one to have a dozen-odd characters to fill up a palatial Patiala House. Bauji (Rishi) spews venom against the goras after suffering insults at their hands and losing one of his family members in a racial scuffle. A decade on, he still can't let go of the past and issues a no-firangs-allowed diktat. His beta, Gattu (Akshay) is an aspiring fast bowler, whose dreams of playing for his country are crushed in his teenage years. Now a mere puppet in his dad's hands, he's the butt of everyone's jokes, until an army of relatives and another half-blood Punjabi lass (Anushka) inspires him to join the country's team. What's hot: Akshay takes a break from his dime-a-dozen comedies to work in a serious role. What works for him is the fact that he looks like a real cricketer. Even the mock drills when he's rehearsing, look authentic. Given his athletic frame, he looks the part of a fast bowler. He puts in one of his most restrained performances. Rishi Kapoor is pitch perfect in the role of the dictatorial patriarch. His scenes with the Khiladi stand out, delivering the required amount of drama. Anushka has played the chatterbox girl next door before, but she still comes across fresh and likable. Even though the climax is predictable, Advani succeeds in roping you in using the patriotism card. What's not: The biggest grouse you have is this: if Bauji really was that troubled by the goras and their hatred toward his family, why didn't he simply pack his bags and leave? After living in Southall and running a series of businesses there, he still harbors bitter feelings for the locals. Even though it's the central theme of the film, it's a bit difficult to swallow. Also, Advani takes a little too long to get the ball rolling. We understand Gattu's plight, but constant flashbacks and reminders of why he's sad, is a drag on the pace. The songs are weak. Plus, the standout track 'Laung Da Lashkara' comes during the end credits. Even the background score lacks the quintessential Panju punch. With Akshay playing for England and not India, it doesn't really evoke the sense of jingoism that a Lagaan or Chak De! manged to. While the father-son relation is genuinely moving, Gattu's entry in the English cricket team and the climax matches are super cliché ©d and extra filmy. What's that! Poor Dimple gets just one dialogue. Each time she rushes to say something; Rishi stops her with a raised index finger. So much for women empowerment! What to do: Akshay's fans will enjoy his new form. This one may not score a six, but it manages to dispatch one to the boundary.

I feel this is a good emotional film.

[meet-dhir · 9/10 · 13 February 2011]

The script isn't flawless but it definitely has moments that will make you flow in the movie.The cast have done a great job.Rihsi Kapoor was Fantastic in his Mountain Solid role. Akshay does a fantastic work and Sharma plays a great role as a lover. The supporting star cast have also done a great job and if you go with family you'll definitely enjoy the film. It also has a few good comic punches , great song , nice drama and overall definitely a great movie to watch. Who knows you may start believing in Second Chances after you watch this movie.So , go ahead with friends and family and watch this awesome film. Positive points: 1.Great job by the entire cast. 2.Decent Script. 3.Heart Soothing Music and songs. 4.Very good family Drama.

A good inspirational

[andydgr8 · 8/10 · 14 October 2013]

Howzatt? Punjabi... Balle Balle... Super Hit Dance and Its Super Hit Sixer!!! Bat and Balle's ... Chachaji, Mausiji, Beeji and the entire Yash Raj/Rajshree Family Members assemble from Punjab in United States for this Hindi Punjabi film PATIALA HOUSE. Gattu loves cricket, papa hates it. Rich traditional values and Mom's the word. Papa Don't Preach as Beta respects Pa. As the life goes on, its about Second Chance. Its Punjabi Kudi (the new fresh wave - Baja Baarat Ladki) who encourages and supports Akki to play Cricket and win the game and the heart of the stone hearted Rishi too! All ends well with Winning the Trophy at the stadium and the trophy from the Big Fat Punjabi Family. A Family Get- together at the end for a Big Size Family Photograph. Wonder, what is Bobby doing here. Well She is the Darling of Rishi. Hence she is Bobby Darling and playing Ma in law in real life, she is Ma in reel life. Lucky Mascot, Anushka might have given some fresh waves to Akki - that actually this film is worth a watch than the recent Akki starrers. And speaking about it, Nikhil Advani gets a Thumbs up after his Thumbs down for Salaam E Ishq, CC to China. In one word, the film has hit the Bulls eye and (after Yamla Pagla Deewana) looks like more Punjabi Subjects are a Welcome to Bollywood in Hollywood (as the film is set in UK)... an NRI film!

Its More of emotions than comedy in this film that will definitely bring down tears and finally applauds at the stadium scene. With sixers over balls and final overs, the film can be declared a Sure Fire Hit. Finally, Akki can tell that its a HOUSEFULL for his HOUSE (this time PATIALA) and not a nonsense Sajid Khan flick!

One of Akshay Kumar's best films since 'Dosti: friends forever' (2005).

[MovieInspector · 8/10 · 13 February 2011]

First of all, I'd like to praise the entire production team, but especially the director, Nikhil Advani, for doing such a great job with this. It doesn't actually feel like a film because the characters are so believable and their livelihoods are very normal. The film's story is relatively simple, but it conveys a very important and nice message. Hats off to Akshay Kumar, Rishi Kapoor and Anushka Sharma - they all have given really good performances here. Dimple Kapadia and the supporting cast also do their parts really well. The music is also good. The best tracks are 'Adat hai woh' and 'Laungda Lashkara'. The screenplay is fabulous and the editing has been done very well.

Verdict: this film deserves to be a success at the box office - go for it!. I give it 8.5/10.

There should never be an unfulfilled dream.

[Arjun93 · 10/10 · 12 March 2011]

This is a movie about dreams that has a strong message throughout the whole movie. It does not disappoint for a second. Everyone has dreams that they want to fulfill, but there are always obstacles nonetheless. Gattu, too faces these obstacles.

The story: Gattu is an amazing fast bowler who in his days could get the wicket faster than you can say "wicket". He could not fulfill his career opportunities due to his dad. Ek adhoore sapna re gaya. Watch this movie to see how the story unveils.

Casting: Males: Akshay Kumar is the show stealer. He made every scene worth the while. The tears were genuine as if it was his story and that was heart warming. Rishi Kapoor was a delight to see as Akshay's father. He did an outstanding job as the strict "my way or no way" dad. Armaan Kirmani did justice to the role as the brother. In the beginning scenes where his wife tells him not to help Gattu because one servant is enough, the look Akshay and Armaan gave each other was perfect and genuine. The typical reaction to a real life situation.

Females: Dimple Kapadia's role as the mother was heart melting. The scenes with Gattu were simply amazing. Gattu/Mom hospital scene was one of the show stealers. Anushka Sharma was simply great with the enthusiastic friend.

The others: The rest of the family lost all respect for Gattu for not speaking against their father. I found that a bit annoying. Gattu had only one option, they needed to understand that. When they respected them, it was only after he played again. The family came off as selfish. But that is expected from a strict dad run family.

Music: The album is amazing. Laung De Lashkara and Kyun Main Jagoon stand out the most, while the picturing of Rola Pe Gaya was simply brilliant where they go from a modern generation to that of the older generation, showing the major gap and differences. The differences sadly show how things will never be the same, but still a great song.

This movie can be watched over and over. It was simply amazing. This can surely be added to Akshay Kumars amazing movies that will never get old.

Overall: 10/10

Worth a watch!!

[simplymegha · 9/10 · 19 March 2011]

I've put off watching this movie for over three months now simply because I have been very disappointed by the last few films of Akshay Kumar. But this movie was a pleasant surprise. The story line is very predictable but the movie doesn't really disappoint in terms of story, acting or plots. The execution of the plot is excellent. Akshay Kumar looks great and so does Anushka Sharma, although her performance is forgettable and so is Dimpla Kapadia. Waste of her acting prowess - she only has one dialog in the movie. Rishi Kapoor looks great as a Sardar and I was hoping Akshay Kumar would don his sardar "avatar" too but he still looks great. I wasn't bored at any point in the movie and I would say the movie is definitely worth a watch

Advani lives up to expectations - Again.

[wolfhuntsvalue · 9/10 · 20 February 2011]

Saw the movie last night. Well, definitely worth and more. Like some other poster, I refrain from posting reviews, esp. when you feel that IMDb board, when it comes to Indian Cinema, seems manipulated. Movies like Guzzarrish getting high marks is a perfect example...

Patiala house worked for me at several levels. Story was smooth.. Script was tight. Dialogues were crisp. Protag dealing with the demons is well articulated. Anuska's character could have been better developed. Rishi and Dimple play their roles extremely well.

Story has momentum. Script and characters have multi-dimension. Father-Son relationship is easier to relate. Generational gaps are well explored. I am a bit surprised to see below 6 ranking bu imdbers.

Nikhil does a wonderful job on keeping story fluid and engaging. One of the very few movies that I sat through w/o second guessing. Good job!

Akshay and Anushka

[sayamasjad · 10/10 · 11 December 2019]

Patiala House could have become a great movie because it's a movie which contains its heart in the right place. The emotional drama which is the essence of the movie has been presented very well on the screen and it not only moves the audience but also inspires the youths not to lose heart and pursue whatever they are passionate about.