Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Before Nikkah' review: Funny moments lost in shaky execution

'Before Nikkah' review: Funny moments lost in shaky execution

This low-budget British Asian movie had its world premiere at the recent London Indian Film Festival. Two British Pakistanis meet in London to see if they are compatible for marriage. He isn’t interested in settling down, so cuts the date short. However, his travel plans are disrupted when the trains are cancelled.

It leads to the pair unexpectedly spending the day together and they start to form a connection while chatting about a variety of subjects.


Haider Zafar’s debut film is a homage to director Richard Linklater’s iconic film, Before Sunrise and had the potential to be a great romantic comedy, but sadly falls short because of several avoidable errors.

Some of the camera work is shaky, there are elements that don’t make sense and, elsewhere, the dialogue falls flat.

Before Sunrise could have been an inspiration to create something unique; however, the filmmaker ends up with a poor copy (starting with the movie’s title).

A key element of the success of Before Sunrise was the two strong leads (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) and their on-screen chemistry.

In Before Nikkah, there is a disconnect between the protagonists - with Sasha Vadher having a stronger screen presence than her co-star, Aakash Shukal, who struggles to keep up with her. In one cringeworthy scene, she goes on a quick date with someone else.

However, what prevents Before Nikkah from being a complete misfire are some genuinely funny jokes and engaging snapshots of London, which is almost like a third character in the movie. It also flows along at a breezy pace, has relatable moments, and features an outstanding performance from Vadher.

While Zafar should be applauded for getting his film made and shot in just nine days, he could have added more originality and had a steadier cinematographer.

More For You

Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘His vision and impact transcended borders, faiths and generations’

His Highness the Aga Khan IV with the then Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, at the Aga Khan Centre, London, in 2019.

Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘His vision and impact transcended borders, faiths and generations’

Naushad Jivraj

WITH profound sorrow and deep gratitude, we reflect on the life and legacy of Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, our beloved 49th hereditary Imam.

For nearly seven decades, His Highness Aga Khan IV dedicated his life to the spiritual and material wellbeing of the Ismaili community. He was not only our spiritual leader but also a visionary, whose work improved the lives of millions worldwide, leaving an impact that transcended borders, faiths and generations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey set to dazzle Brighton Pride 2025 with a show-stopping performance at Preston Park

Getty Images

Mariah Carey to headline Brighton Pride 2025: Iconic comeback set to break records

This summer, music legend Mariah Carey is set to light up the stage at Brighton Pride, marking her first UK performance since her 2019 Royal Albert Hall shows. Scheduled for August 2, 2025, at Preston Park, Carey’s highly anticipated appearance follows the cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID-19. Known for her chart-topping hits like "Fantasy" and "Always Be My Baby," her performance is expected to draw massive crowds. Tickets go on sale February 20, and demand is expected to be high.

Paul Kemp, Brighton Pride’s Managing Director, shared his excitement, recalling the disappointment of 2020. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Mariah this year,” Kemp said. “Pride is a celebration of love, diversity, and unity, and having a global icon like her headline makes this year’s event even more special.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?

Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Marni Fall/Winter 2024 Fashion Show during Milan Fashion Week

Getty Images

Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?

Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, and his wife, Bianca Censori, are once again at the centre of divorce rumours, this time following a series of controversies surrounding Ye. Reports suggest that the couple’s relationship has been strained due to Ye’s recent actions, including allegations of antisemitism and the backlash from selling swastika-themed merchandise.

Sources claim that Censori, 30, reached a breaking point, unwilling to be associated with Ye’s controversies any longer. The tension reportedly escalated after Censori’s near-nude appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which drew widespread criticism. While Ye defended her bold outfit, calling her “smart, talented, brave, and hot,” the incident allegedly deepened the rift between them.

Keep ReadingShow less
Win tickets to Mythili Prakash’s stunning dance show

Mythili Prakash

Win tickets to Mythili Prakash’s stunning dance show

Eastern Eye

EASTERN EYE readers have the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch Bharatnatyam dancer Mythili Prakash perform at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, London, later this month.

In the new show titled She’s auspicious, Prakash explores the relationship between femininity and purity, according to the programme website.

Keep ReadingShow less
Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017. (Photo credit: Twitter)

Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

A COURT in India has found Vikat Bhagat guilty of the rape and murder of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017.

Keep ReadingShow less