Indi-Caribbean Love Story ‘Bazodee’ has Sights, Sounds and Music Galore, Story Not So Much

To our knowledge, it is the first of its kind and perhaps worth a watch for the cultural experience alone.

[Photo Credit: Facebook/Bazodee]

Trinidad and Tobago are home to picturesque beaches and the upbeat rhythms of Calypso and Soca music. What makes the vibrantly cultured country truly interesting is the mesh of various ethnic influences throughout its history. Today, two ethnic groups rule the country’s demographic, Indo-Caribbeans (Indians that migrated as indentured servants in the 1940’s) and Afro-Carribean, (the descendants of African slaves). Despite existing side by side for decades, these two groups haven’t always been the best of friends. The independent crossover film, “Bazodee,” is hoping to show what can happen when these two groups fall in love.

Debut actress Natalie Perera plays Anita Panchouri, the daughter of an Indo-Caribbean businessman in Trinidad (Kabir Bedi) who is deep in debt. She is engaged to her father’s friend/business partner’s son (Staz Nair of “Games Of Throne” fame) from London. The film opens with the arrival of both the families in Trinidad to celebrate the engagement when Anita stumbles onto a ukelele-playing Afro-Caribbean Soca singer, Lee de Leon (played by Trinidad’s beloved Soca artist Machel Montano). Anita and Lee fall in love a la Romeo and Juliet style, right under the nose of her betrothed, and that’s when things get downright messy.

The film touches upon the class and racial boundaries the couple must cross in order to end up happily ever after.

Ten years in the making, filmmakers Ancil McKain (Producer, Indiepelago Films) and Claire Ince (Writer/Producer) first conceived the idea of “Bazodee” in 2006 during Carnival season with the idea to make an authentically Caribbean musical framed around a love story. At the heart of “Bazodee” is the desire to show how beautiful life on the island can be when everyone lives in unity and harmony. The musical borrows liberally from Bollywood in an effort to highlight Trinidad’s rich Indian culture. It is upbeat, colorful and a feast for the eyes but the story, dialogue, and racial tropes certainly feels dated. The age old story of rich vs. poor, family obligations vs. love didn’t find a new premise in “Bazodee.” Though the film was set up to showcase racial tensions between the lead characters, their socioeconomic backgrounds (and the fact that Anita is already engaged to someone else) featured more prominently in the story. In fact, Anita’s family welcomes Lee de Leon with open arms as a friend and even help him get back into music by securing a few gigs for him.

It’s only when the film’s Soca tunes (using Montano’s own music) start wafting onto the screen that you truly feel united with  the film’s themes of love and unity. Bazodee is a result of  McKain and Ince being inspired by Montano’s music and it shows clearly. Whether he’s serenading Perera or performing on stage in character, the music not only brings a smile to your face but has you rooting for the lead protagonists and makes the film a whole lot more digestible.

Montano is the breakout star in the film. A first-time actor, he sways audiences easily with his infectious smile and is right at home playing the role of a musician. Perrera looks stunning in every scene though she is a little rough around the edges in the acting department. A trained singer herself, Perrera lends her voice to a few songs, but she’s no match for Montano.

The film is directed by Todd Kessler of the children’s show “Blue’s Clue’s” fame. He is an odd choice and it shows. The scenes are disjointed and illogical. Perhaps a Caribbean director more familiar with the landscape could’ve fixed that.

“Bazodee” isn’t revolutionary by any means but it can be a fun way to spend a few hours after a long week. The film’s writer, Claire Ince, told the press that the film has an overall optimistic feel and we’ll agree to that. To our knowledge, it is the first of its kind and perhaps worth a watch for the cultural experience alone. Try it for the sights, sounds, and definitely the music.