Cooking with Stella

Cooking With Stella poster

Cooking with Stella is a Canadian comedy-drama film released in 2009, directed by Dilip Mehta and co-written by Dilip Mehta and Deepa Mehta. The film is set in New Delhi, India, and explores the life of Stella Elizabeth Matthews (played by Seema Biswas), a cook and nanny who works for the Canadian High Commission.

The story unfolds as Maya (played by Lisa Ray) and her husband, Michael (played by Don McKellar), move to New Delhi due to Michael's diplomatic job at the Canadian High Commission. Stella, who has been working at the High Commission for years, becomes their cook and nanny. While she appears to be a loyal and devoted employee, Stella has a secret side to her. She is involved in a small-scale smuggling operation, taking advantage of her access to the diplomatic residence. The plot thickens when Tannu (played by Shriya Saran), an innocent and talented new maid, is hired and becomes Stella's apprentice. The film humorously and heartwarmingly explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the clash of cultures.

Plot

The film's plot centers around the complex relationship between Stella, Maya, and Michael. As Maya tries to adapt to her new life in India, she becomes increasingly reliant on Stella for managing the household and navigating the complexities of living in a foreign country. Stella, with her years of experience and cunning, sees an opportunity to exploit the newcomers but her plans take an unexpected turn with the arrival of Tannu, who becomes a catalyst for change in the household dynamics.

Cast

• Seema Biswas as Stella Elizabeth Matthews
• Lisa Ray as Maya Chopra
• Don McKellar as Michael Laffont
• Shriya Saran as Tannu

Production

The film was shot on location in New Delhi, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. The collaboration between Dilip Mehta and Deepa Mehta brought together a unique blend of humor and drama, set against the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of India's capital city.

Reception

Cooking with Stella received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its light-hearted approach and the performances of the cast, particularly Seema Biswas as Stella. Others criticized it for not fully exploring the potential depth of its characters and themes. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was appreciated for its portrayal of cultural interactions and the complexities of life in a foreign country.

Themes

The film delves into several themes, including cultural identity, the concept of home, and the complexities of moral choices. Through the character of Stella, the film explores the lengths to which individuals will go to improve their lives, often blurring the lines between right and wrong. The interactions between the Indian and Canadian characters also provide a rich ground for examining cultural misunderstandings and the potential for cross-cultural friendships.