Growing up as a first generation in any culture brings the challenges of struggling with identity. The musical “Come Fall In Love” perfectly showcases these struggles: the battle between family and tradition and trying to live your own life. Based on the Indian movie Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the show took the story of star-crossed lovers but gave it a modern twist.
The story follows Simran and Roger, two students who have just finished Oxford University but whose lifestyles couldn’t be more different. Simran comes from a traditional Indian family with expectations and an arranged marriage set. While Roger’s family is more laid back, with his rich family and carefree lifestyle, but their paths cross after a turbulent meeting at a party and their fates become intertwined during a trip to Europe.
By making use of a simple set layout and graphics, the musical takes audiences on a tour of Europe to see the development of Simran and Roger’s relationship in a standard enemy-to-lovers trope. The most important moment comes as the two get stuck in a hotel room in Switzerland after missing their train. Simran reveals her future marriage plans to Roger and gets drunk for the first time, ending up revealing her private thoughts and even kissing someone she thought she hated. After seeing that Roger wasn’t the man she thought he was, as he chose to sleep in the bath to maintain her reputation, the moment when their hearts became intertwined was apparent.
While the first half was necessary for the narrative of the story, especially to show the differences from the original movie, it did seem to drag on and become boring at points. They could have condensed some of the moments of the trip to focus on the wider narrative, like emphasizing the cultural differences between Simran and Roger.
Luckily, once the second half of the show started, the pace picked up and it was when the musical came to life on the streets of India. If the sets were unique and eye-catching at the start, it was elevated even more to showcase the wonders of India, with bright colours and beautifully designed costumes that sparkled under the bright lights.
The story becomes more serious and even the bright colours can’t distract from how the differences between Simran and Roger can impact their lives. Roger follows Simran to India, hoping to call off the wedding and profess his love without any problems. The long-standing promise between the two families in India tests Roger’s willpower as he sets out to win the hearts of Simran’s family, as he won hers in Europe. There is also some comedy, such as Simran’s fiancé Kuljit falling for Roger’s mother, someone sexier and who is the true “Western Woman.” It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that looks at all the characters’ backstories through song to show that every culture has similarities.
Although the show was adapted for a Western audience, the musical doesn’t forget its roots. Throughout the duration of the show, there are some songs in Hindi and Punjabi, with the cast reciting some of the actual lines and scenes from the film. The most prominent example comes at the end of the musical when the power of love wins. As the two say goodbye at the train station, Simran’s dad recognises the love they have for each other. Like the film, the dad says, “Ja Simran, ja,” telling her to follow her heart. If you grew up never seeing your culture in mainstream media, hearing the language being spoken by the entire cast, Asian or not, instils a sense of pride.
If you attend the show hoping for a direct adaption of the film, it could be seen as disappointing if you go into the musical. The best thing to do is to go in with an open mind and no expectations to be able to enjoy a well-thought-out and meaningful musical fully.
The show is currently playing at the Manchester Opera House until 21 June, and you can buy tickets via the website.