The Full Cast Of 'What's Love Got To Do With It?': 7 Surprising Facts About The 2022 Rom-Com Stars
The 2022 romantic comedy *What's Love Got to Do with It?*, directed by the acclaimed Shekhar Kapur, offers a fresh, cross-cultural take on modern dating and the concept of "assisted marriage." This film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2022 and saw a wider release in 2023, has garnered significant attention not only for its timely themes but also for its stellar ensemble cast.
As of late 2025, the film remains a popular title on streaming platforms, prompting renewed interest in the talented actors who brought the story of Zoe and Kazim to life. This article provides a deep dive into the main cast, their characters, and the key creative forces behind this unique British-Pakistani cinematic collaboration, ensuring you have the most current and detailed information available.
The Main Cast and Key Characters: A Full Profile
The core of *What's Love Got to Do with It?* lies in the chemistry and cultural contrast between its two main leads, supported by a powerhouse of British and international acting talent. The film successfully blends the familiar tropes of a Richard Curtis-esque romantic comedy with a nuanced exploration of South Asian marriage traditions.
- Lily James as Zoe: James portrays Zoe, a documentary filmmaker and self-proclaimed "dating app addict" in London. Her character is cynical about finding lasting love through modern methods, which fuels her curiosity and decision to film her best friend's journey. Lily James is widely known for her roles in *Cinderella*, *Baby Driver*, and the TV series *Pam & Tommy*.
- Shazad Latif as Kazim Khan (Kaz): Latif plays Kazim, Zoe's childhood best friend, a successful doctor who opts for an "assisted marriage" arranged by his parents. Latif, a British actor of Pakistani heritage, is recognized for his work in *Star Trek: Discovery* and *Penny Dreadful*. His role as Kaz is central to the film's exploration of cultural identity and modern love.
- Emma Thompson as Cath: Thompson plays Cath, Zoe’s well-meaning but often overbearing mother. Her comedic timing and boundary-pushing attempts to help Zoe find love provide much of the film’s levity. A two-time Academy Award winner, Thompson brings immense star power and topical authority to the cast.
- Shabana Azmi as Aisha Khan: Azmi portrays Aisha Khan, Kazim’s mother. As a veteran Indian actress, Azmi’s presence grounds the film’s Pakistani cultural elements, representing the traditional yet loving parental figure guiding her son through the assisted marriage process.
- Sajal Aly as Maymouna: Aly plays Maymouna, the young Pakistani woman chosen to be Kazim's bride through the assisted marriage process. Sajal Aly is a major television and film star in Pakistan, and her role in this film marked a significant international exposure. She was praised for her portrayal of the "perfect bride" who challenges Zoe's Western preconceptions.
- Oliver Chris as James: Chris is cast as James, Zoe's ex-boyfriend and a recurring figure in her chaotic dating life.
- Asim Chaudhry as Mo: Chaudhry, known for *People Just Do Nothing*, provides comedic relief as a member of Kaz's family.
The Behind-the-Scenes Visionaries: Director and Screenwriter
The unique perspective and cross-cultural depth of *What's Love Got to Do with It?* are a direct result of the talent behind the camera, giving the film a fresh, unique, and authoritative voice on the subject matter.
Shekhar Kapur: The Visionary Director
The film was directed by the legendary Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. Kapur is internationally celebrated for his work on the historical dramas *Elizabeth* (1998) and *Elizabeth: The Golden Age* (2007), both starring Cate Blanchett. His involvement ensures that the film’s exploration of the cultural divide between London and Lahore is handled with a sensitive and experienced eye, moving beyond simple stereotypes. Kapur’s return to directing a feature film after a significant hiatus was a major talking point upon the film's release.
Jemima Khan: The Screenwriter and Producer
The screenplay was written and produced by Jemima Khan, a British journalist, documentary maker, and social activist. Her deep personal connection to the subject matter—having lived in Pakistan and been married into a Pakistani family—lends the script a powerful layer of authenticity and topical authority. Khan stated that she wanted the film to help people understand the modern distinction between traditional arranged marriages and the more flexible "assisted marriage" model, where the individuals still have veto power. The film is essentially her cinematic exploration of how different cultures approach the fundamental human need for connection.
Exploring the Core Theme: Assisted Marriage vs. Western Dating
The film’s central conflict and most unique element is its comparison of Zoe’s chaotic, app-driven Western dating life with Kazim’s structured, family-supported "assisted marriage." This thematic depth is what distinguishes the movie from a typical romantic comedy.
The "Assisted Marriage" Concept
The term "assisted marriage" is deliberately used in the film to update and differentiate the process from the historically loaded term "arranged marriage." In the film, Kazim’s family acts as a matchmaker, vetting potential partners like Maymouna, but the ultimate decision to marry rests entirely with the couple. This modern interpretation highlights the blend of tradition and individual choice that exists in many contemporary South Asian communities.
Zoe, representing the skeptical Western perspective, initially equates the process to "assisted suicide," a line designed to highlight the cultural misunderstanding and curiosity that drives her documentary. The film challenges this view by showing the practical and emotional benefits of a system focused on long-term compatibility over fleeting romantic passion.
Critical Reception and Audience Impact
*What's Love Got to Do with It?* received generally positive reviews, with a current critic score of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the film for its charm and its successful modernization of the rom-com genre, with many noting its resemblance to the successful formula of Working Title films.
The performances by the main cast were widely lauded. Lily James and Shazad Latif were commended for their compelling chemistry, while Emma Thompson’s comedic presence was noted as a highlight. The film’s success demonstrates a clear appetite for romantic comedies that explore cross-cultural themes and challenge conventional Western narratives about finding love.
Topical Entities and LSI Keywords Summary
To provide a comprehensive view of the film's topical authority, here is a list of the key entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords relevant to the film:
- Key Cast & Crew: Lily James, Shazad Latif, Emma Thompson, Shabana Azmi, Sajal Aly, Oliver Chris, Asim Chaudhry, Shekhar Kapur, Jemima Khan.
- Themes & Concepts: Assisted Marriage, Arranged Marriage, Cross-Cultural Rom-Com, Modern Dating, Dating Apps, Cultural Identity, London to Lahore, Romantic Comedy Genre, Working Title Films, TIFF 2022.
- Production & Distribution: StudioCanal UK, Working Title Films, Rotten Tomatoes Score, Film Festival Premiere.
The film’s continued relevance and strong cast ensure its place as a significant entry in the modern romantic comedy landscape, offering a thoughtful and entertaining look at the question: what truly has love got to do with it? The blend of high-caliber acting and a deeply personal, culturally rich script makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
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