The Kadam family are making their way through Europe. Having to flee their Indian homeland, after an uprising, and losing their dearest family member, they head for England, and spend time their starting a new life. But the wonderful British weather is not agreeing with them, so they head for the warmer temperatures of France, where things are really about to heat up.
Papa Kadam finds a property which he feels will be ideal for him to realise his dream of introducing Indian cuisine to the French. But despite the protestations of his children, who believe that he is crazy for undertaking such a scheme, he goes ahead, and in the process ruffles the feathers of Madame Mallory, the lady who owns a rather chic Michelin star restaurant, right on the other side of the road, a mere 100 feet away. Mallory is someone who has never had to deal with competition, and feels that this poor effort will not last through their opening night, and she will do all she can to ensure that is the case.
Upon discovering that Mallory will resort to any level to destroy his beloved restaurant, Kadam decides it is War, and so let battle commence. But he has a remarkable weapon, his Son Hassan, who from a young age was taught the beauty of food, the tastes and textures by the best possible teacher, his Mother. He has used those skills to amazing effect, creating some truly awesome cullinary creations, and that soon turn the restaurant, Maison Mumbai, into the hottest place to eat.
The battle intensifies, til it becomes all too personal, and people get hurt. A truce is called, and it brings about a change in the two restaurant owners, as they come to appreciate each others love of food, and their respective way of life.
With Hassan being the new chef in town, soon Paris comes calling, and he really gets to spread his wings, will he get to further create more masterpieces in the kitchen? Or will his souffle go limp?
The film comes from Director Lasse Hallstrom who did wonderful work on "The Cider House Rules" but also "Chocolat", and what he did for confectionary in the latter film, he replicates with World cuisine in this charming and delightful movie.
The screenplay is wonderfully written from Steven Knight, who has a rather varied writing CV.
All the cast are excellent. Dame Helen Mirren plays Madame Mallory to the hilt, swanning round, rather ironically like the Queen of England. You can believe that she would take no prisoners, but also conveys the characters love of good cooking with a passion. A delight to watch. Om Puri is equally brilliant as Papa Kadam, a man who will take no crap, and is determined to see his dream become a reality, a man who also has a great love for his roots, and his family. Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon are also great as young lovers but also working in opposing restaurants, will their path of true love run smooth?
There are so many great elements in this movie. A battle between the owners, a love story on so many levels, humour and drama, and a brilliant cast added to the ingredients, to make a main course of a movie that will be savoured by many.
One serving may not be enough.................8 out of 10
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