Kokka review: Uninspiring film that does no justice to its unconventional subject

The Punjabi-language feature Kokka (2022), starring Neeru Bajwa and Gurnam Bhullar, tackles the prejudice against older women marrying a younger man. Directed by Santosh Subhash Thite and Bhanu Thakur, the film has been written by Rupinder Inderjit.

Set primarily in London, the film is the story of Ajooni (Neeru Bajwa), a 40-year-old woman who is looking for a suitable partner. Her mother is worried about her marriage and lines up a range of unremarkable men for her to choose from. Feeling that she only has the reject pile to choose from, Ajooni is frustrated, dismayed, and wonders whether she will ever find a good match.

Meanwhile, Akaal (Gurnam Bhullar) arrives from Punjab and is also looking for a partner in London. Although the two start off on the wrong foot, they soon become friends. Akaal enlists Ajooni’s help in finding a woman for himself and they end up falling in love. Although he does not care about the difference in age, it is a huge deterrent for his family, especially his mother, which adds to the drama. Akaal tries to smoothen things over but ends up creating a bigger mess. When he sets about to mend matters, it seems too late.

Kokka trailer: Love has no age in this unconventional romantic comedy

Although Kokka addresses an important issue, it feels half-hearted in its attempt to do so. It is a socially accepted fact that older men marry younger women without anyone blinking an eye. Society only makes noises when the opposite happens. This gender discrimination is not addressed in the film.

As a beautiful working woman, it is odd that Ajooni only seems to find buffoons as prospective husbands. Of the two respectable men she finds, she falls in love with one and conveniently finds another when everything comes to naught. The depiction of her falling in love is baffling. She acts odd, obsesses over text messages, and even struggles to keep her job. Thankfully, the climax has a few redeeming features as Ajooni stands up for herself and her mother.

The humour is few and far between and one wishes for snappier dialogues. Unfortunately, Bhullar is all at sea in his performance. His dialogue delivery is disappointing and the onus is on Bajwa to carry the film, which she does ably. She looks fabulous in every shot and gives it her all.

Baljinder Kaur’s performance as the imperious mother is a welcome relief as the film satirizes the in-law who finds fault with any woman her son wants to marry. Priyanka Chopra and Nick (Nikku!) Jonas are quite the inspiration for this unconventional match as they are referenced several times.

The music of the film is fairly well done and stitches together the narrative with the dance number ‘Holla’, the foot-tapping ‘Tu Te Main Main Te Tu’ and ‘Dil Karda Hai’. The slow romantic song ‘Te Tho Vadh Sona Koi Nahi’ and the Sufi-inspired ‘Mere Peera Mila De’ are enjoyable as well.

Weaving in the social message about not giving a damn for the world and its opinions, one wishes Kokka were more committed to its unique storyline.

Kokka was released in cinemas on 20 May.