Be prepared to fall in love with ‘A Nice Indian Boy’
It begins and ends with a wedding, but it’s what occurs in between that results in you being hitched to “A Nice Indian Boy.” Thriving on a combination of charm and hard truths, it’s an astute celebration of family, no matter how big of a pain in the ass it can be. Even more, it’s about removing the shackles and opening yourself up to the possibilities of life and love, as the titular character, Naveen, is about to learn.
In the capable hands of Karan Soni (“Deadpool”), it’s safe to say Naveen is the sort of fellow who lights up every room. The problem is that Naveen is blind to that reality. And it’s not entirely his fault. As a gay Indian-American, he’s been raised to believe that expressing emotion, including declarations of love, are best internalized. These traits are a great source of frustration for Naveen’s new guy, Jay (Jonathan Groff of “Hamilton” fame), a white orphan raised by loving Indian parents who taught him to, above all else, be yourself.
It’s the classic rom-com setup of opposites attracting and spending the bulk of the movie attempting to resolve what it is that’s keeping them apart. Accordingly, director Roshan Sethi and screenwriter Eric Randall stick to formula, from the meet-cute to the inevitable split to the bold gesture that wins back the wronged party. And, of course, the goofy best pal readily at hand to lend comfort and advice. In this case, that would be the wonderful Peter S. Kim as Naveen’s fellow medical doctor, Paul.
Rote, yes, but what sets this gem apart is the rich characterizations and deep dive into the challenges of learning to be proud of who you are. It’s also a bonus that Soni and Groff have the kind of chemistry that casting directors can only dream about. They are most assuredly appealing, but there’s also an aura about them that instantly draws you in. A lot of that allure is courtesy of the immense vulnerability Soni instills in a character who spends too much time being pragmatic when there’s an open, carefree man itching to bust out.
Holding the key is Jay, a freelance photographer oozing confidence and a comfort in his skin that has Naveen dripping with envy. He may be white on the outside, but owing to his unique upbringing, he’s all Indian inside. He even loves Bollywood as much as Naveen, singing him the climactic tune from their beloved “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (aka “The Brave-Hearted Will Take the Bride”) after seeing the film on their first date.
The spontaneous gesture leaves Naveen befuddled by Jay’s effusiveness, a trait he was always taught to suppress. Yet, it’s the spark that ignites a gradual transformation that will open him up to the type of romantic love he never thought possible, especially as the son of parents (Zarna Garg and Harish Patel) who didn’t meet until their wedding day.
Soni imbues Naveen’s journey from wallflower to belle of the ball with an intoxicating sweetness, enhanced by the loving relationship he has with his slightly older sister, Arundhathi (Sunita Mani), whose wedding opens the movie. Alas, it quickly proves to be an unhappy union that only adds to Naveen’s apprehension about making a lifelong commitment to Jay. Like the dedicated doctor he is, failure is not an option. After all, that’s how he was raised.
Adapted from a play by Madhuri Shekar, “A Nice Indian Boy” benefits from being unafraid of exploring the feelings of inadequacy born of the expectations placed on the children by over-demanding parents like Megha and Archit. They raised Naveen and Arundhathi to always put on a brave face and keep their troubles to themselves. Practicing what they preach has lent a notable iciness to their 35-year marriage that only now is beginning to thaw.
Like Soni and Groff, Garg and Patel are perfectly cast, growing more endearing as the film steams toward a conclusion that, while predictable, has you wiping away a tear or two. The source of that emotion emanates from witnessing the combination of joy and regret that is often a byproduct of surrendering to your desires, taking a risk and relishing the rewards. In many ways, that sums up “A Nice Indian Boy,” a movie that puts itself out there and surprises you by thoroughly capturing your heart.
Movie review
A Nice Indian Boy
Rated: Not rated
Cast: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, Harish Patel and Peter S. Kim
Director: Roshan Sethi
Writer: Eric Randall
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where: Now in theaters
Grade: B+
