One year after the romantic comedy Five Blind Dates premiered on Prime Video, a remake is already available on the same platform. While such redundancy might seem unnecessary, particularly since both films share the same general premise and are in English, Picture This manages to stand apart. Directed by Prarthana Mohan, the film retains the heart of its source material while exploring the themes of passion and empowerment through the lens of Indian culture. The result is a sweet, silly, and sincere reimagining of the story, demonstrating a thoughtful understanding of what made the original resonate with audiences.
The film follows Pia (Simone Ashley), a London-based photographer who has always seen life from an unconventional perspective. Independent and deeply devoted to her work, Pia faces personal and professional upheaval. Her studio, which she dedicated to her late grandmother, is on the verge of collapse due to her refusal to compromise her artistic integrity by taking on mundane tasks like passport photos. In her personal life, she’s struggling with a lack of romantic prospects, despite the constant support of her loyal best friend and employee, Jay (Luke Fetherston).
Things take a dramatic turn when Pia’s overbearing mother, Laxmi (Sindhu Vee), announces that Pia will inherit the family jewel—but only if she marries. Instead of resorting to a typical plot device, such as hiring a fake fiancé, the filmmakers create a smarter solution. Pia’s family sets up five blind dates for her, with the understanding that she will find her future husband and ensure the success of her business in the process. Pia, determined to let destiny guide her, embraces the challenge. However, the return of her ex-boyfriend, Charlie (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), adds an unexpected complication.
Mohan and screenwriter Nikita Lalwani take the solid foundation of the original and enhance it by introducing a more culturally specific twist. Some of the blind dates are adapted with broad comedic flair, such as the neurotic son of a powerful Bombay businessman (Asim Chaudhry) and a quirky spiritualist (Phil Dunster). While the humor in these scenarios sometimes feels forced, Pia’s personal growth throughout her interactions with the men is undeniably engaging. By the time she reaches date four, audiences are fully invested in her journey and rooting for her to regain her determination, save her business, and find true love.
Visually, Mohan and editor Gary Dollner incorporate split-screen montages in innovative ways, creating a sense of urgency and depth. These montages not only provide a dynamic visual transition but also enhance the vibrant, colorful atmosphere that infuses the film with life. Whether showing Pia rushing to meet her mother or capturing a traditional henna ceremony, the cinematography elegantly showcases both modernity and cultural heritage.
Ashley, widely recognized for her role in Bridgerton, shines as Pia, delivering a performance full of charm and impeccable comic timing. Her physical comedy is on point, bringing a Julia Roberts-esque energy to the role. Fetherston’s portrayal of Jay, the gay best friend, steals the show with its blend of humor and heart, even overshadowing Tiffin’s portrayal of Charlie, who, despite his handsome looks, lacks the same depth or chemistry with Ashley.
The film’s potential to cross cultural boundaries is clear, much like Paolo Genovese’s Perfect Strangers franchise, which inspired global remakes. With its mix of romantic comedy and cultural exploration, Picture This presents a universal story that can easily resonate with diverse audiences. For viewers who enjoy seeing heroines balance love and career, this remake offers a fresh, engaging take that is sure to captivate.
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