WATCH: A look at funny side of Indian life
Jailoshini Naidoo (Jennifer Kandasamy) and Maeshni Naicker (Shanti Naidoo) in a scene from the official trailer for the South African comedy, Keeping up with the Kandasamys. Jailoshini Naidoo (Jennifer Kandasamy) and Maeshni Naicker (Shanti Naidoo) in a scene from the official trailer for the South African comedy, Keeping up with the Kandasamys.
Durban - Keeping up with the Kandasamys is nothing like the international reality show Keeping up with the Kardashians, but according to director Jayan Moodley, it promises a lot of laughs.
The comedy motion picture tells the story of a neighbourly rivalry as young adult children fall in love. According to Moodley, the film is a window into the lifestyle and subculture of the modern-day Indian family.
Rivals Jennifer Kandasamy, played by Jailoshini Naidoo, and Shanti Naidoo, played by Maeshni Naicker, submit to their children’s affair despite countless efforts to keep them apart.
From SABC1’s local series Skeem Saam, Mishqah Parthiephal plays the beautiful Jodi, who falls in love with Prinesh, played by Mudhushan Singh.
“Together the two mothers scheme and recruit prospective partners to interfere with their children’s affair,” said producer Helena Spring.
Prinesh is a sensitive medical student, and when Jodi’s mother, Jennifer, finds a strip of condoms in Jodi’s bag, Prinesh’s mother Shanti is only worried about her non-existent grandchild looking anything like Jennifer.
Moodley mentioned that the set of the film was a bonus. "It was shot in Chatsworth, an iconic place, almost like District Six or Soweto. It is vibrant and spirited.”
Parthiephal said: “Keeping up with the Kandasamys is a beautiful story which reflects Durban Indian culture.” Other characters include local theatre director Rajesh Gopie who plays Shanti’s husband Preggie; Jennifer’s husband Elvis, played by comedian Koobeshen Naidoo; as well as Jodi’s flamboyant friend Marlin, played by wedding planner Neil Govender.
The film opens at cinemas nationwide in March.