Ramji Londonwaley, the right recipe for success?
Will R. Madhavan’s latest role is a classic “fish out of water” story, but for this actor the significance is greater. Ramji Londonwaley, the tale of a Bihari chef who must make his way through the UK is Maddhavan’s biggest role to date, and it’s the most major role yet for a southern Indian.
The film itself is a remake; the original, Nala Damayanthi (same story, different setting) was a very popular Tamil comedy. However, in the past, a popular Tamil film has been anything but a guaranteed success in the north. Those that do get remade in the north have usually been heavily recast. The last time Madhavan did reprise a Tamil role for Hindi-language film, Minnale, the result was a box office disaster.
Londonwaley, however, has had a strong showing in the box office thus far and looks as if it may be Madahavan’s first big Bollywood hit.
I like Will quite a bit. I think he is a good actor, and very funny when he wants to be. I hope he’ll finally get the recognition he deserves after this film, which looks both funny and good-hearted.