A Nice Indian Boy

"You know how things always get super weird whenever anything gay comes up? Well, I just thought I'd put everyone at ease by mentioning my white, Hindu, orphan, artist boyfriend. Mom? Dad? Do you want another son... who's white?"

I smiled from ear to ear from beginning to end. Well, with the exception of a few moments that I won't spoil here. It's nice to be reminded to watch films like this more often - films that are simply meant to make you feel good. There are no villains in this story, only the most lovely people you ever knew, who only mean well.

I adored everything from the ridiculously charming cast to the Bollywood soundtrack to the overly-sweet in-your-face message... because it was delivered with so much heart and care. I love how it pretty quickly morphed into something other else than a love story between two people but between a group of people. Rom-coms, I never spoke badly of you and if I did, I did not mean it.

Oh, and it's funny.

Oh, and it also has Sunita Mani, which is a nice bonus.

Like everyone else around him, all Naveen wants is to find someone to fall in love with. While tip-toeing around his family, colleagues, and the world, his life is changed when he meets Jay. Now, for the sake of love, Naveen must get out of his comfort zone and do what must be done.

This is a terrific romantic comedy that many people, especially young South Asians, can relate to, regardless of sexual orientation. The story explores more than the couple's relationship. It examines arranged marriages versus love marriages, the meaning of love, and the anxiety and trepidation immigrant parents feel in modern society and when connecting with their adult children. The film encompasses the entire range of human emotions while keeping it light and funny. The only drawback is that some background knowledge of Bollywood is necessary to fully appreciate it. The one-hour and thirty-six-minute investment in this film is well worth it and should be seen as soon as possible.

This movie will probably grow in cult status as the perfect Indian gay rom-com. From perfect beats from longing and insecurity, to meeting the one, to dealing with the rigidities of South Asian culture in a humorous, compassionate, and yet authentic way this movie has touched my heart. The two gay leads are fantastic. And the family is perfectly cast, including the angry face of the jealous sister! This movie is the fantasy of many gay men - to be loved, to be accepted, and to be celebrated just as we are. Add to this the poignancy of Indian and Pakistani men who deal with cultural prejudice to homosexuality, which is addressed and silenced directly in this movie, and you have a rom-com standout. Go see it. It will touch your heart, no matter what your sexuality or ethnicity is. 💚

This movie reminds me elements from a movie I watched looonnng ago, A Touch of Pink (2004, a British film) but with little differences or depth.

If "A Touch of Pink" (2004) was a cheeky wink at cultural assimilation, then "A Nice Indian Boy" (2025) is a heartfelt embrace of it-albeit with a few awkward dance moves.

"A Touch of Pink" (2004): This film was a trailblazer, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a gay South Asian man in the early 2000s. It blended humor with poignant moments, featuring a young man navigating his identity amidst cultural expectations. The film's charm lay in its ability to balance comedy with the complexities of family and self-acceptance.

"A Nice Indian Boy" (2025): Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has evolved. Directed by Roshan Sethi, this film delves deeper into the intricacies of identity, love, and cultural heritage. It tells the story of Naveen, a gay Indian-American doctor, and his journey to introduce his white fiancé, Jay, to his traditional family. The film is lauded for its authentic portrayal of queer South Asian experiences and its exploration of family dynamics.

While "A Touch of Pink" was groundbreaking for its time, "A Nice Indian Boy" builds upon its foundation, offering a more nuanced and contemporary perspective. The latter's inclusion of Bollywood elements and its focus on familial relationships provide a richer narrative tapestry. However, some critics note that the chemistry between the leads and pacing issues slightly detract from its potential.

Both films are significant in their own right, reflecting the evolving journey of queer South Asian representation in cinema. "A Touch of Pink" paved the way, while "A Nice Indian Boy" continues the conversation, albeit with a few stumbles along the way.

I learned about this film from social media a few months ago after a film festival, so I decided to watch it on opening weekend. I expected a cute, but maybe not particularly interesting rom-com, with a dash of the immigrant family wackiness of so many comedic films. Paying for this movie ticket was the best investment in mental health of the past six months, and I'm delighted to say this movie is nearly perfect. The script is very good, based on a play that I later learned is loved by the U. S. South Asian community. The direction is simply stellar and allows the excellent writing and inspired performances to breathe and reach the audience. The delineation of the script into clear parts, each of which (in some sense) represent the typical act structures of films is clever, especially because in many ways the conflicts and resolutions happen in unexpected places within that structure. I loved the performances by the romantic couple, and the family, which is in many ways the "entity" one half of the romantic couple has to win over, and the entity the other half of the couple must be won by, if that makes any sense. For queer immigrants, or queer children of immigrants from cultures that cultural researchers call collectivist and family-centered, this film will speak loudly and make them feel seen and understood. There are some very special moments between each member of the family and the members of the romantic couple, and in some ways, the audience. In my screening, one particular speech by one family member had the whole room sniffling in suppressed tears. The best part is that all the touching parts of the film are elegant, not schmaltzy or cheesy, and they are well-balanced with hilarious moments and clever humor. The characters could have been caricatures and stereotypes, and the film revels in preventing that, creating fully realized people whose behavior and feelings are explained by motivations and experiences that are not immediately evident. Congratulations to the whole production team, cast, and everyone involved. Thank you for such a beautiful film!