Harish Patel Movies
A stocky, heavyset character actor whose obesity and authoritative appearance prompted him to specialize in domineering types such as patriarchs, building supervisors, and no-nonsense employers, actor Harish Patel debuted onscreen in the early '80s, and thereafter repeatedly shuffled back and forth between Indian and British productions. Some of Patel's more visible credits include the role of Fizzy in the Udayan Prasad-directed, Hanif Kureishi-scripted seriocomedy My Son the Fanatic (1997), and a portrayal of the slightly crabby landlord Mr. Goshdashtidar in David Schwimmer's offbeat romantic comedy Run, Fat Boy, Run (2007). ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
An overweight man leaves his fiancée on their wedding day, only to realize years later that she's the one and only woman of his dreams in a romantic comedy that reunites Big Nothing co-stars Simon Pegg and David Schwimmer, this time with Schimmer in the director's chair. It's not easy to win back a woman after leaving her at the altar, but when an out-of-shape man finally realizes just what a mistake he's made, he vows to run a high-profile marathon in order to convince his ex-fiancée that the rich and handsome man she's about to marry isn't the guy for her. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, (more)
In a small city in the English midlands, a Pakistani immigrant named Parvez (Om Puri) works long hours driving a cab to provide modest comfort for his disapproving wife, Minoo (Gopi Desai), and better opportunities for his collegiate son, Farid (Akbar Kurtha). When Farid breaks off his engagement with the daughter of the city's white police commissioner, drops out of university and joins a cell of Islamic fundamentalists, Parvez must bide his time and hope that his son will come around to his own liberal, assimilationist views. Meanwhile, a monied German entrepreneur named Schitz (Stellan Skarsgard) arrives in town on business and retains Parvez's services as not only driver but navigator of the city's steamy underbelly. Parvez recommends the services of Bettina (Rachel Griffiths), a local hooker with whom he has struck up an unlikely but warm friendship. Schitz's callous treatment of both of his new employees soon, however, sickens Parvez. After his son convinces Parvez to let a visiting holy man move into the family home, the conflicts between Parvez's nocturnal activities and his home life escalate. The screenplay was adapted by Hanif Kureishi from his own short story, which appears in the collection Love in a Blue Time. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 1997
In the north Indian state of Bihar, Ketki (Madhuri Dixit) marries weak Vinay (Ayub Khan), who is exploited by hard-nosed businessman Tirpat (Mohan Joshi). Ketki then organizes local women against Tirpat & Co. Her group includes her sister-in-law Chandravati (Shabana Azmi), who had a run-in with dangerous priest Abhay (Mohan Agashe). Eventually, Abhay orders a religious death sentence for the sisters. Shown at the 1997 London Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Shabana Azmi, Madhuri Dixit, (more)
In the new tradition of "Tales of the City," this long, complex British satire profiles a decade in the life of a British family. The story opens in a South London suburb where main protagonist Karim Amir lives with his Indian father, Haroon, and his English mother during the 1970's. Haroon is a civil servant who makes extra cash, and gains notoriety for teaching "Eastern Philosophies," of which he knows nothing. Still, as Buddhism is in fashion, people pay him a bundle to hear his vapid, happy ramblings. When not preaching, Haroon is trysting with a rich follower, Eva Kay. Karim's mother learns of the affair and leaves with his younger brother. Karim stays with his father and his new love. He begins a career on the stage. The story also follows Charlie, Eva's boy as he aspires to become a rocker. Other plots and subplots abound in this film. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roshan Seth, Naveen Andrews, (more)
- 1986
Ramulu (Om Puri) is a master weaver whose excellence is noticed by a female government official, and his work is selected to represent his country in an exhibition in Paris. Unfortunately, the selection brings about worker discord and jealousy. Ramulu alienates his daughter by using the fine silk intended for her wedding dress for a piece he submits to the international exhibit. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, (more)
