How far will you travel for love? London, Punjab – wherever, right? In 2007, Akshay Kumar did so in Namaste London while Arjun Kapoor also followed the same route almost eleven years later in his film Namaste England. By route, we do not imply countries but the path of love.

In case you still didn’t get this, allow us to explain. The trailer of Parineeti Chopra’s and Arjun’s new film Namaste England released today and follows a similar plotline to that of Akshay’s and Katrina Kaif’s Namastey London. The concept might appear alike but the difference in both films lies in the crux of it.

While Namastey London primarily highlighted the essence of Indian culture, Namaste England essentially depicts Parineeti’s Jasmeet’s determination in establishing her own identity beyond marriage.

Recommended Read: Namaste England Trailer ft. Arjun Kapoor-Parineeti Chopra is a tale of love, dreams and ambitions

In this piece, we’ve provided a comparison between Namastey London and Namaste England – both directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah but certainly different in its predominant scenarios.

London Ho Ya England: Love is Love

In Namastey London, considering the fact that Jasmeet (Katrina) is born and brought up in London, her whims and fancies of an appropriate husband for herself are in tandem with that of her gentry. Her roots lie in India but she certainly doesn’t desire to get married to somebody from her country. Jamseet’s father (Rishi Kapoor), nevertheless, forcefully gets her married off to Arjun (Akshay) upon their visit to Punjab. Jasmeet, thus, is left with no other option but to comply but soon after she returns to London with Arjun, she announces her wedding to her British boyfriend. Her plan is set, is what she thinks until she is informed that her boyfriend has already been married twice. Jasmeet doesn’t relent though, but in the meantime, starts falling for Arjun, especially after noticing his true love for India, sticking to the Hindi language, cultural roots despite residing in London. On the day of her wedding to her boyfriend, Jasmeet ultimately realizes her love for Arjun and leaves the altar, only to settle down with him forever.

On the contrary, the plotline is slightly different in Namaste England. Jasmeet (Parineeti), after marrying Param (Arjun) in Punjab, realizes that she has neither identity nor freedom of her own in the state. She, hence, leaves for England and establishes her career to seek her destiny – much to Param’s dismay, who attempts to explain her the fact that what is more important than residing in a city or a country, is a loving partner. Jasmeet, nevertheless, decides to disagree. Param, soon after, visits her in England but she refuses to return to Punjab. To know what happens next, we certainly have to wait for the film.

Ishaqzaade Deewana Kar Gaye

Akshay's and Katrina’s pairing was appreciated soon after the release of their first film together – 2006’s Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. Hence, it is pretty evident that when Namastey London released a year later, their onscreen Jodi received enough accolades. Their chemistry was perfect – so much so that Akshay and Katrina subsequently starred in Welcome and Singh Is Kinng owing to their brilliant show onscreen in Namastey London.

More is less if Arjun’s and Parineeti’s chemistry is to be discussed in Namaste England – simply because it’s effortless. Co-stars of 2012’s Ishaqzaade, Arjun and Parineeti share a great relationship not just onscreen but off it as well – which easily translates on celluloid. Thus, as far as the lead pairs’ romance on screen is concerned, both films might just end up garnering equal points in this aspect.

Rafta Rafta Tere Liye

Well, we can only discuss the music of Namastey London at this point because we are yet to witness the soundtrack of Namaste England. Songs of Namastey London were composed by Himesh Reshammiya. While Javed Akhtar was responsible for the lyrics. Punjabi beats and soothing melodies - Namastey London had a combination of both. Rafta Rafta and Main Jahaan Rahoon are our personal favourites. As far as Namaste England is concerned, we heard Atif Aslam’s Tere Liye --  a bit of it that formed the score in the trailer. So, it shouldn’t be wrong to pin our hopes to this.

Punjab Ke Khet vs London Bridge

Most certainly, Namaste England and Namastey London have been filmed in Punjab and London essentially. Hare bhare khet in Punjab formed a crucial part in both films as did the picturesque locales of England. What’s your opinion on this?

All’s Well That Love’s Well

While the emphasis on cultural acceptance is portrayed meticulously in Namastey London, Namaste England also highlights the importance of marriage and love apart from a career of course. It also, very slightly, touches upon women’s empowerment through dialogues as such. Nevertheless, we already know that Jasmeet ends up with Arjun in Namastey London but what happens in Namaste England? Well, for that, we have to wait for the film but we’re sure about the fact that love will triumph in the end. It has to, no?

Watch the trailer of Namastey London and Namaste England:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv0qZ69AVA0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4tcaoNlcRo

Namaste England is releasing on October 19. We’re watching it for sure. What about you?