Welcome

Welcome is a 2007 Indian comedy film directed by Anees Bazmee, starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, and Anil Kapoor. The movie revolves around Uday Shetty, a notorious Dubai-based don, played by Akshay Kumar, who takes it upon himself to find a suitable groom for his half-sister Sanjana (played by Katrina Kaif). Uday's half-sister has a rather peculiar problem – her family has an unsavory reputation, and every eligible suitor she comes across has second thoughts about marrying into a crime family. Uday knows all about the importance of respectability and social standing in Indian society. Despite his illicit occupation, he yearns for respect, which is why he wants his sister to marry someone from a reputable family. He enlists the help of Majnu (played by Paresh Rawal), his trusted and long-time friend. Majnu's skills in extortion come in handy as Uday instructs him to find an acceptable match for Sanjana. Following Majnu's research, the duo come across the perfect prospect – Rajiv (played by Nana Patekar). Rajiv lives with his maternal uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. Ghunghroo, who appear to be a respectable and cultured family. After some pressure and extortion tactics from Uday and Majnu, the Ghunghroos reluctantly agree to the wedding proposal. The reason behind their hesitation is Uday's notorious reputation and Majnu's shady ways. Despite their reservations, they see no other option but to accept the proposal. With the marriage arrangement settled, the story takes an interesting turn. The comedy begins to unfold as the contrast between the Ghunghroos and the crime family becomes apparent. In an effort to put up a respectable facade, Uday orders a grand setup at a five-star hotel in Dubai. As preparations begin, a series of hilarious mishaps and cultural clashes ensue. Sanjana's innocence and purity are evident in her interactions with Rajiv. Despite initial awkwardness, the two eventually begin to enjoy each other's company, and their relationship starts to blossom. However, their romance is met with tension when Uday, Majnu, and the rest of the crime family intervene in various ways. They constantly try to assert their dominance and show their respectability by pretending to be law-abiding citizens. The plot thickens as Uday tries to maintain the charade, hiding his true identity and keeping his illicit business dealings a secret. As the wedding date approaches, the characters' behavior becomes more farcical. Uday and his associates struggle to keep up the illusion of respectability, but their true nature keeps on peeking through. Sanjana's character serves as a catalyst in bringing out the truth about her family's real identity. Throughout the movie, it becomes evident that her desire to fit in and lead a normal life is being threatened by the very people who want to be close to her. Despite her brother's efforts, her family's reputation and actions continue to affect her prospects. As the wedding approaches, tensions rise between the two families. Cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and hilarious moments abound as the characters engage in chaotic situations. In the midst of all the chaos, Sanjana is forced to deal with her own set of problems – her complicated past and present collide as Uday's true self starts to surface. The movie culminates in an unexpected turn of events as Uday's secret identity is finally exposed. Despite his true intentions, Sanjana finds a way to reconcile with her brother and move forward with her life. The story concludes with a message about family ties and the sacrifices one makes for loved ones, showcasing Uday's growth from a ruthless don to someone who genuinely cares for his sister's happiness. Welcome is a lighthearted, entertaining comedy that combines elements of action, romance, and social satire. The movie's humor is primarily situational, deriving from the fish-out-of-water scenarios presented by the juxtaposition of the crime family and the respectable Ghunghroos. Although it touches upon serious issues such as the consequences of engaging in illicit activities, the overall tone remains comedic and carefree.