Kumail Nanjiani Defends His Wedding Day Movie Choice (And It's Hilarious) | Sorry Not Sorry
Kumail Nanjiani first rose to fame in Silicon Valley where he played software engineer Dinesh. From there on the actor, most known for his comedy work, was enlisted into the MCU where he got to play Kingo in the ill-fated Eternals.
Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, with his appearance on the 21st season of Taskmaster solidifying him as a down-to-earth actor that we’d all like to hang out with. Were that scenario ever to happen, it seems like we’d be settling down to watch a romantic comedy, as Nanjiani is a big fan of the oft-marred genre.
WATCH: Kumail Nanjiani Defends His Wedding Day Movie Choice And It's Hilarious 😂 - YouTube
During a red carpet appearance, JustWatch spoke with Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, writer and producer Emily V. Gordon, about their viewing habits. When asked what movies they are not ashamed to love, Nanjiani was quick to profess his love of rom-coms, saying: “I like a lot of rom-coms, and a lot of people look down on those, but those ‘90s rom-coms… I’ve seen them all.”
Would You Watch ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’ On Your Wedding Day?
When Kumail Nanjiani says that he loves romantic comedies, he really means it, as Gordon revealed they even watched one on their wedding day!
Gordon recalled: “We had to — I had to, he wanted to — watch Four Weddings and a Funeral on our wedding day.”
Four Weddings and a Funeral tells the story of Hugh Grant’s bumbling Englishman Charles as he attends the titular five occasions. Over the course of these events he meets and falls for Andie MacDowell’s American, Carrie. Featuring great supporting turns from Rowan Atkinson, John Hannah, and Kristin Scott Thomas, and not forgetting the Wet Wet Wet song ‘Love is All Around’, it is easy to understand why Four Weddings and a Funeral is universally adored.
Hearing Four Weddings and a Funeral’s name mentioned in such close proximity to a question about guilty pleasures, Nanjiani leapt to the defence of Mike Newell’s film. “That’s a great movie! That’s not a sorry, not sorry. It was nominated for Oscars,” he stated with passion.
Whilse Four Weddings and a Funeral is an unmitigated classic and a staple of British comedy, watching it on your actual wedding day feels a step too far. That Emily V. Gordon relented and allowed it to happen, proves just how committed to her husband she is.
‘The Big Sick’ Is Based On Kumail Nanjiani & Emily V. Gordon’s Love Story
Kumail Nanjiani’s love of romantic comedies might come as a surprise to some, but not to anyone that has seen The Big Sick. Starring Nanjiani, and co-written by both him and Gordon, The Big Sick is a rom-com drama based on the pair's own relationship.
In the film, Nanjiani stars as himself against Zoe Kazan playing Emily. The film tells the turbulence of their relationship, with their cultural differences initially pulling them apart. While broken up, Emily falls sick and Kumail is pressured into placing her into an artificial coma. When Emily awakens she still wants nothing to do with Kumail. Dejected, he reluctantly moves on with his life, only to get his rom-com happily ever after during a stand-up gig. The end credits mention that the two get married, though there is no mention of their Four Weddings and a Funeral viewing.
The Big Sick is a wonderful example of the modern romantic comedy, as it doesn’t get bogged down with sweetness. The fact that it is inspired by real events helps dull the cheese factor and instead of being sickeningly saccharine, The Big Sick becomes heartfelt and charming.
More Rom-Coms To Watch On Your Wedding Day
If you’re a loved-up cinephile who quite likes the idea of spending your wedding day watching a film or two, here are some other romantic comedy suggestions.
Like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Crazy Rich Asians is set around nuptials, making it a solid pick for wedding day viewing. The plot sees a Chinese-American woman travel to Singapore with her boyfriend to attend a wedding, only to discover that he is part of one of the richest dynasties in the country. Immediately judged for her lack of status, Crazy Rich Asians chronicles her journey to acceptance and provides proof that love can conquer all.
Another wedding themed rom-com is the ‘80s-set gem The Wedding Singer. Starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer tells the love story of a wedding singer and waitress who, despite both initially being engaged to other people, realise that their partners are not the right people for them, and ultimately find their happily ever after with each other.
