If you are one of those new migrants who undergo the trauma of finding a job and settling in a ‘strange country’ with cultural shock to absorb, you may like ‘Mr Singh wants PR,’ which premiered at the Hollywood Cinema in the Auckland suburb of Avondale on May 3, 2012.
The film centres on Dildar Singh (Sunny Sehgal) who arrives in New Zealand with an empty wallet and a heart filled with dreams. He tries to find a job and eventually become a Permanent Resident.
After several unsuccessful attempts, he is offered a job at an Indian sweetshop. But he has to contend with the unscrupulous owner (played by Ravi Shetty) and pay the costs involved in securing PR. In collusion with his flatmates Rakesh (Rishi Deepak), Sarah (Chontelle Simone van Hagen) and Miral (Darshan Naicker), he sells ‘Green Jalebis’ mixed in marijuana.
He makes money for the sweetshop but before he could realise his dream, the boss makes good with the cash.
Dildar falls in love with a New Zealand-born Punjabi girl Harleem (Priya Wallabh), creating a new twist to the story.
Written and directed by Pakistan-born Fahad Hussain for Golden Lotus Creations, ‘Mr Singh wants PR’ is a comedy, although it portrays the travails of a young man in pursuit of a successful future.
Simple, yet Tough
The story is simple and easy to follow, highlighting instances of various experiences encountered by new immigrants and international students.
It seems inevitable for many immigrants to be pressured into assimilating into their society such as ‘westernising’ their name or giving up their cultural beliefs.
Sunny’s characterisation of Dildar was especially impressive because it projected him as a strong man who was not willing to give up his heritage or religion just to gain employment. He repeats the phrase, “It is against my religion,” on several occasions signifying his devotion to Sikhism.
The film reinforces the common belief that Sikhs have the innate ability to adapt and adopt, without compromising their traditional, social and religious values in any of the part of the world.
An incongruity
Although ‘Mr Singh wants PR,’ is brilliant in many aspects, there was a scene that could have been omitted, the scene in which Dildar hires an ‘expensive’ dancer to celebrate his success in 
mobilising the finance required for his PR. Celebrating an occasion before it occurs was akin counting the eggs before they are hatched.
Sunny, with his calm and contented nature suited his character on screen and did well in conveying the right expression.
Priya Wallabh as the elusive Harleem was sweet, especially when her love for Dildar blossomed. Rishi Deepak as the mischievous and carefree Rakesh was also memorable, especially when he tries to win over Sarah numerous times.
Chontelle Simone van Hagen as Sarah was also credible, with her reputation as a ‘bad girl’ in the beginning, overtaken by her compassion towards her Indian friends.
However, it was Darshan Naicker as the effeminate Miral, who stole the show.
He played his character with sensitivity, avoiding the usual farce and overstatement that espouse such a role.
Climax in foyer
The climax occurred after the movie, when the guests were served with ‘Green Jalebis,’ making some rather apprehensive.
The cast and crew of the film were present, giving filmgoers an opportunity to interact with them.
Live Bhangra music and dance also gave a glimpse of the colourful Punjabi culture before the commencement of the film.
The film has a number of stalwarts behind its production. Among them are sound engineer and designer Jonathan Paul Paynter, Dion James Pitman (New Zealand) and producer Kailashwar Nand (Fiji).
As reported earlier, ‘Mr Singh Wants PR’ is a film that could narrate your own story or that of a friend or an acquaintance.
