In the Punjabi countryside, Mr and Mrs Bakshi (Kher and Babbar) have a problem: They have four beautiful daughters, but not enough status to arrange above-average husbands for them. The eldest Jaya (Shirodkar) helpfully falls for a visiting millionaire (Andrews), accompanied by his best friend, the hotel heir Will Darcy (Henderson), who's immediately attracted to the second Bakshi daughter, Lalita (Rai). But the feisty, independent-minded Lalita clashes loudly with Darcy. The story takes them to London and Los Angeles for increasing romantic entanglements.

Energetic, hilarious and extremely full of life, this film is a joy to watch. The characters and costumes are vivid and extravagant, while the settings are so lovingly photographed that it often looks like an official Punjab, London or L.A. tourism film (with side excursions to Goa and the Grand Canyon). This corny sensibility infuses the entire film, most notably in the vibrant, elaborate and almost pathologically smiley musical numbers. Here's where Chadha plays with the cultural mix, throwing gospel choirs, mariachi bands and even prancing surfers in, although she's never willing to expand the lyrics beyond sentimental Bollywood kitsch.

The performances are in that style too--superficial and stylised--making it difficult for Western audiences to buy the story. The characters are all likable and witty, but they're basically fantasy variations on real people. The film's strongest element is its blending of racial, cultural and class themes, brilliantly adapted from the Austen novel and nicely played by the cast. A constant stream of clever details keeps us on our toes, especially for those familiar with the source material. But this also brings major disappointment when the movie abandons these ideas, shifting into silly rom-com mode as Chadha rushes to a flamboyant conclusion. But if a breezy Bollywood romantic comedy is enough, you're in heaven.