Starring: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, Harish Patel, Peter S Kim
Distributor: Roadshow Films
Runtime: 96 mins. Reviewed in Jul 2025
Reviewer: Fr Peter Malone MSC
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When Naveen brings his fiancé Jay home to meet his traditional Indian family, they must contend with accepting his white-orphan-artist boyfriend.
A film with a great deal of heart. It is often witty, but with a serious theme for a romantic comedy. The two central characters are gay.
There have been many films about Indian communities in Britain, including their religious background, arranged marriages and lavish wedding celebrations. This time we are in the US. But, initially the same themes, opening with a huge wedding celebration. But, quietly observing everything, not participating much, is the brother of the bride. And, of course, everybody cheerfully commenting to him: ‘you’re next!’ Which is the last thing he wants to hear.
He is Naveen, played with great charm, a way with words, but always with diffidence, by Soni. We are always on his side even when he is too reticent, too self-conscious, too much moving aside. Six years after the wedding, he is a successful doctor.
The film has a lot to say about Indian culture, highlighting religious prayer and devotion, the reality of arranged marriages and spouses adjusting. The two parents in the film are strong. There is his dominant and forthright mother who wants to be empathetic, a reticent father, traditional, quiet and often disappointed. But the daughter who married at the opening, is separating from her husband.
In prayer at a shrine of Ganesh, Naveen encounters a photographer, Jay (Groff), who takes portraits of the hospital staff. There is a mutual attraction, played out with an emphasis on the humanity of each of the partners, appreciating each other, affection, love, challenges. And, not the least, is the white American, adopted by an Indian couple, dealing with Naveen’s family. There are awkward meetings and calamitous family meals.
However, the audience knows that this is going in a reconciliation direction. There are some fine encounters with the parents, the bitter sister having to face family realities, the acceptance of Jay into the family. And, comparison with the opening of the film, another lavish Indian wedding.
There have been several romantic comedies with gay themes, but this is a film which most audiences could well appreciate, whatever their approach to gay marriage. It is thoughtful, dealing with day-to-day realities of gay orientation and commitment.
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