“Sardar Ka Grandson” Is Your Perfect Nostalgic Family Entertainer

Although fictional, “Sardar Ka Grandson” is based on events that are relatable to anyone who has been uprooted from their native place and not been able to go back. It is the heartwarming story of a grandson who is willing to do anything to fulfill his ailing grandmother’s desire.

“Lahore and Amritsar have a strange umbilical relationship; a common history binds them together in more ways than one.” – Amir Mateen

Amreek Singh (Arjun Kapoor) is a clumsy guy from Amritsar living in the US and moping over his ex-fiance Radha (Rakul Preet Singh). When he finds out that his 90-year-old grandmother Sardar Kaur (Neena Gupta) has been mending her broken heart for 70 years, he makes it his life’s mission to fulfill her heart’s desire to return to her hometown in Lahore and see her old house. When her visa application to Pakistan is denied, he alters the plan and decides to bring the house to her instead! Thus, begins a series of comical trial-and-error methods in which Amreek tries to get through all the red tape and eventually manages to cross over to Pakistan to make this near-impossible feat a reality.

As unrealistic as the story might be, the movie deserves credit for having a well-structured emotional plot and being a fun family entertainer. If you can look past some of the cheesy dialogues and Bollywood drama, you’ll take a genuine interest in Sardar Kaur’s life, past and present. You’ll also find yourself rooting for her grandson who makes his own memories in Lahore which, despite being only 30 odd miles away from Amritsar, feels like a distant land.

Neena Gupta never disappoints her fans regardless of whether she’s playing a pregnant 50-year-old or a feisty 90-year-old grandmother. Aditi Rao Hydari as young Sardar Kaur is a pleasing addition to the cast and does a splendid job with a pseudo-Punjabi accent. Rakul Preet Singh as Radha brings a much-needed grace to the romantic relationship with Arjun Kapoor’s character. 

If you’re looking for some lighthearted entertainment and a reason to laugh, don’t miss “Sardar Ka Grandson” which brings two disputed nations closer, written and directed by Kaashvi Nair streaming on Netflix.