East Is East 2000

In the heart of England, a patriarchal figure, Jahangir “George” Khan (Om Puri), has long been a staple in the community. This Pakistani Muslim, who arrived on British soil back in 1937, holds his family dear, yet prioritizes his own image and dignity above their happiness. Despite being married to Ella (Linda Bassett), a British Roman Catholic woman of Irish descent, George’s affections remain divided between his two wives, one in Pakistan and the other by his side.

George and Ella have been united for 25 years, producing seven children together: Nazir (Ian Aspinall), Abdul (Raji James), Tariq (Jimi Mistry), Maneer (Emil Marwa), Saleem (Chris Bisson), Meenah (Archie Panjabi), and Sajid (Jordan Routledge). The family’s fish and chips shop is a local favorite, with Ella and George working together in perfect harmony. However, beneath the surface, tensions simmer as George becomes increasingly fixated on the 1971 war between East and West Pakistan, while his children, born and raised in England, begin to reject their Pakistani heritage.

Auntie Annie (Lesley Nicol), Ella’s closest confidant, frequently lends a helping hand at the chip shop and maintains a warm rapport with George, despite advising Ella to stand firm against his authoritarian ways. The Khan family is not immune to the challenges of cultural identity, as the children’s growing sense of Britishness clashes with their father’s traditional values.

Nazir “Nigel” Khan’s bold decision to pursue a same-sex relationship sparks a rift within the family, resulting in his disownment by George. Abdul, the second son, initially avoids conflict but ultimately takes a stand against his father’s abuse towards Ella. Tariq, the most rebellious of the brothers, tries to flee when he learns of George’s plans for him, while Stella Moorhouse (Emma Rydal), his secret girlfriend, struggles with the strain on their relationship once she discovers George’s intentions.

Sajid’s best friend and confidant is Earnest “Pongo” Moorhouse (Gary Damer), who harbors an unrequited crush on Meenah. The Moorhouse family, plagued by old-fashioned ideologies and prejudices, further complicates the Khans’ lives. Mr. Moorhouse (John Bardon), Stella’s grandfather, harbors a deep-seated dislike for the Khans, frequently expressing his disdain for their “foreign” ways.

In the Khan household, a peculiar dynamic exists between patriarch George and his six children. Maneer “Gandhi” Khan, the fourth son, stands out as the only one who adheres strictly to George’s rules, despite being the recipient of George’s disciplinary actions himself. A devout individual, Maneer can often be found lost in thought, pouring over books in his room. In stark contrast, Saleem “Picasso” Khan, the fifth son, appears to defy authority, yet still manages to find solace in his family’s support. His true passion lies not in engineering, as George believes, but rather in the world of Foundation Art.

The only daughter, Meenah Khan, shares a rebellious streak with her siblings, frequently teasing Sajid and stirring up trouble. Meanwhile, Sajid “Spaz” Khan, the youngest child, is haunted by the physical and emotional trauma resulting from his botched circumcision. His constant wear of a parka, regardless of the time or occasion, serves as a subtle testament to his ongoing distress.

On the periphery, Peggy (Ruth Jones), Stella’s closest friend, struggles to find her place in the world. Her weight issues make it difficult for her to attract suitors, leading her to become increasingly fixated on finding romance. As the story unfolds, hints emerge that she may have finally found a romantic connection with Saleem.

Mr. Shah (Madhav Sharma), a devout Muslim, is desperate to secure Pakistani grooms for his two daughters, who are, to put it mildly, unappealing in their physical appearance. Beneath his seemingly affable exterior lies a mean-spirited individual, prone to outbursts of cruelty and scorn. His constant sweating serves as a testament to his poor personal hygiene.

The tensions within the Khan household come to a head when George takes matters into his own hands by forcibly circumcising Sajid without just cause. He also imposes strict dietary restrictions, forbidding the consumption of pork within their home walls. In a shocking display of patriarchal overreach, George promises Mr. Shah that two of his sons, including Tariq, will be married to Mr. Shah’s daughters, who are equally unappealing in their appearance. This decision sets off a chain reaction of events that will have far-reaching consequences for the entire family.

As a fervent advocate for transparency, Ella passionately argues that the boys must be informed about their impending futures, lest they suffer the same devastating consequences as Nazir. Her pleas fall on deaf ears, however, as Tariq discovers his own engagement and erupts in a fury of destruction, laying waste to the carefully curated wedding gifts George had secretly acquired. George, mistakenly believing Maneer was responsible for the chaos, unleashes a vicious beating upon him. This time, Ella stands tall, intervening to protect her son from her husband’s wrath.

The aftermath of this explosive confrontation is marked by further divisions within the family. Tariq, incensed and feeling betrayed, abandons his home and is joined by Meenah, Saleem, and Stella in a desperate quest for solace. Their search leads them to Nazir, now transformed into a stylish gay man, who finds himself torn between his desire for familial reconciliation and the potential risks involved. Ella’s wise counsel ultimately persuades him to prioritize the well-being of his loved ones.

Meanwhile, Tariq returns home with a vengeance, issuing a dire warning to George: should he proceed with the wedding, he will not hesitate to secure a second white wife, mirroring the very situation that has driven him to despair. The tension simmers just below the surface as Mrs. Shah arrives at their residence, accompanied by her daughters. Her snide remarks about Ella’s domestic arrangements, coupled with her condescending attitude towards their home, prompt Ella to assertively reject the notion that Tariq and Abdul would be better suited living under her husband’s roof.

As the situation escalates, George once again finds himself on the brink of lashing out at Ella. However, this time, his family members step in to prevent him from striking, effectively neutering his aggressive impulses.