Triads, Yardies & Onion Bhajees

[Omnia sunt Communia]

Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees is a 2003 British film directed by Sarjit Bains. I recently came across the film while doing some research on British Yardie gangs in London. This film seems to be quite interesting, and very reminiscent of the GTA 2 opening movie.

 

I thought that it might be an interesting film to base a GTA London game on. Since Vice City was based on Scarface, and San Andreas was based somewhat on Menace II Society; it only seems fitting that a London-based game would draw inspiration from a movie too.

 

Here is a synopsis for those of you who don't want to watch the film:

 

 

Welcome to London, home of many creeds and cultures. The modern criminal underworld reflects the diverse races that call London home.

 

West London is ruled by the 'Holy Smokes' crime syndicate. At their head is the ruthless Chacha. His mob include various psychopathic killers, pimps and drug dealers. To enforce his rule over his minions Chacha uses Singh (Manish Patel), his most trusted and ruthless hitman. Although the Holy Smokes rule all of West London, their base is Southall, the stronghold of the Asian community.

 

North London is the territory of the Triads. These ruthless Chinese gangsters will do anything to protect their honour. Leading them is the young Billy Chan. An outsider has killed one of his men Li Fung and Billy swears vengeance! Among Billy's army of thugs is Ho Lin Wun, the ruthless assassin who likes to cut his enemies fingers off for pleasure and amusement.

 

South London is governed by the Yardies, the Jamaican mafia. At the head of this notorious crew is Lloyd. This gang lives purely for the day and their motto is "Live Fast and Die Young!". Utterly without fear, Lloyd hangs with his trusted men Rufus (Richard Angol) and Errol. However, there is a thorn in Lloyd's side - his sister, Tia lives with rival gangster Jaz from the Holy Smokes.

 

East London is home to The Firm. The last stronghold of the original Anglo-Saxon cockney gangsters, The Firm is ruled by Mad Dave (Dave Courtney). They cannot understand how London has come to be ruled by the ethnic mobsters. They will not give up East London without a fight to the death. Mad Dave makes the Holy Smokes an offer they cannot refuse but one of his men Big Kev has other ideas.

 

Someone is muscling on the Holy Smokes cocaine deals and they are not amused. Added to this deadly event is the theft of six million dollars from Heathrow Airport making an explosive cocktail! Hot on the trail of the missing money is the Metropolitan Police's most corrupt officer Detective Inspector Greaves (Jonty Reason). It's a roller-coaster ride as the Holy Smokes wage war against the Triads, the Yardies and The Firm.

 

Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees is primarily an action movie but it has a mythological and spiritual vein running through it. The character of Chacha worships the Hindu Goddess Kali. We see a statue of Kali in his home. Chacha is seen praying to the Goddess in a Temple. At his office headquarters, again we see the statue of Kali.

 

Chachas influence and teachings have also influenced members of his gang. The image of Kali can be seen in the homes of his various gang members. The smoke emanating from the incense surrounding the Kali statue in the temple is deemed to be holy, hence Chacha has named his crime syndicate "The Holy Smokes".

 

It is very clear that the Goddess Kali is watching the proceedings unfold before her and ultimately will decide who lives and who dies.

 

The game would have four obvious gangs: The Holy Smokes, Triads, Yardies and East London Cockney Firm. There's lots of room for missions here and there and what I think to be an interesting story overall.

 

What do you think? Good idea?

 

 

[BigAmericanTitties]

this COULD make a good scenario for a GTA London. the whole gang that worships a Hindu godess could set up some unteresting plot points. maybe the gang could see themselves as modern versions of Thuggees or something.

[Darvinho]

I agree with the idea of a London based GTA drawing heavily on films and culture of the day. But I would have to say that a GTA:London would need to take a lot of inspiration from Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The grittiness as well as the comedic value just screams GTA in my opinion.

[Mafioso86]

Hah... I actually just posted some picks from this movie over in this thread because someone was saying they couldn't relate to London or see it being good. I haven't seen the movie yet but I've been meaning to.