West Is West

In 1976, five years after the events of East is East, the story unfolds in Salford, England, revealing the lives of the Jahangir Khan/George’s children, most of whom have grown distant from their parents and rarely stay in touch. The film primarily follows Tariq (Jimi Mistry), now a free-spirited hippie resembling George Harrison, who runs a new age shop alongside his older brother Nazir. Tariq’s relationship with his English girlfriend remains unaware of his Pakistani roots, highlighting the cultural disconnect within the family.

Meanwhile, George (Om Puri) operates a local eatery, George’s English Chippy, where he serves traditional British fare such as pies and fish and chips. Despite his efforts, the business struggles to thrive, and the shop struggles to attract customers. George is assisted by Ella (Linda Bassett), who is supportive despite their family’s complex background.

In Pakistan, Maneer (Emil Marwa) lives with his extended family, searching for a suitable bride. George reminisces about his past life as a farmer in Pakistan. The story then shifts focus to Sajid (Aqib Khan), the youngest son who no longer wears a parka and faces relentless bullying at school due to his Pakistani heritage. The bullies go as far as physically assaulting Sajid, even humiliating him by placing his head in a toilet. George, who retains some of his old bullying tendencies, insists on taking Sajid to school every day, which only worsens Sajid’s plight.

The kind-hearted headmaster, Jordan (Robert Pugh), a former British soldier with experience in Punjab, shows sympathy for Sajid and encourages him to embrace his heritage. Despite this, Sajid often runs away from school to escape torment.

After Sajid is caught stealing from a shop, George causes an angry scene at home, attacking his son in frustration. Sajid fights back verbally, calling George a “dirty Paki bastard”, a remark that devastates George. Ella tries to explain that Sajid is influenced by the school bullies, but George, deeply worried about losing his youngest child, states that all his other children have assimilated into British culture and refuses to let Sajid lose his identity.

Determined to connect Sajid with his roots, George decides to take him to Pakistan for a month, much to Ella’s disapproval. Upon arriving, they are warmly received by George’s relatives, including Tavnir (Vijay Raaz), who is often trying to scam George, and Rehana (Sheeba Chaddha), who openly criticizes George’s motives.

George visits his family farm, where he reunites with Basheera and their daughters—people he abandoned three decades earlier. The once-beautiful farm is dilapidated, with no modern amenities, illustrating the stark contrast between his past and present life. Basheera, who still maintains a connection to George, even offers herself for intimate reasons, though George declines, claiming exhaustion. Meanwhile, Rehana reacts with hostility, making it clear she resents George’s return and his intentions.

The family is wary of George’s plans to arrange a marriage for Maneer, worried that he will leave his wife and traditional lifestyle behind, just as George once did. Despite George’s efforts, no suitable matches are found, and the family fears the inheritance of land will favor the sons over the daughters, further illustrating cultural and familial tensions.

Sajid, meanwhile, meets Pir Naseem (Nadim Sawalha), a wise spiritual teacher, and Zaid (Raj Bhansali), a local boy eager to teach him about Pakistani customs. Initially reluctant, Sajid begins to develop pride in his Pakistani identity as Pir Naseem introduces him to the rich history of his culture—including visits to ancient ruins and temples, which deepen his understanding and appreciation.

As Sajid’s relationship with Neelam (Zita Sattar), a woman from Rochdale with a striking resemblance to maneuver’s favorite singer Nana Mouskouri, blossoms, the story highlights his growing connection to his roots. Her acceptance of Sajid leads to plans for their future together.

Back in England, Ella becomes increasingly upset to discover that George has withdrawn their family’s savings to invest in building a house in Pakistan, a move she views as risky and misguided. She plans to bring Sajid back home, but when Sajid refuses to leave, Ella’s frustration mounts. During her visit, she clashes with Basheera and her daughters, but soon realizes their shared struggles and insecurities bond them. Ella and Basheera eventually reconcile, recognizing their mutual strength.

The film concludes on a hopeful note as George finally begins to see the value in embracing his heritage, and Sajid proudly accepts his cultural identity. George’s chippy adapts by offering Pakistani-style kebabs, symbolizing his acceptance of his dual identity. Maneer and Neelam marry, completing the journey from division to understanding. Through these revelations, the family learns that embracing their roots can bring harmony and renewal in their lives.

“Every place is a story, and every story has its own way of making us believe who we are.”

This story portrays the complex laces of family, culture, and identity, showing how understanding and acceptance can bridge even the deepest divides.

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:58