American Chai

I loved watching this film because, being Indian, i felt that i could really relate to it. It was amazing to see how the main character interacted with his parents, because it was the same way that i did with my own.

Also, i thought that the quality of the acting was brilliant. The actors portrayed their characters effectively, really giving a true idea of Indian teens in college and the challenges that they face when it comes to the divide between the modern day mix of cultures and tradition.

This movie was not that bad. However, from the trailors I was expecting more of a comedy like American Desi. American Desi still easily dominates this newly founded genre of Indian-American movies. Paresh Rawal's comedy is of course brilliant. Most of the movie focuses on the lead's relationship as oppose to second generation Indian life in America.

I was lucky enough to see American Chai in my sneak preview class. I'm wary of seeing some first time attempts at movie making, but this film was a total treat. I was drawn in from the first 5 minutes. The characters were completely believable and engaging, the story right on the mark, and the way the writer/director portrayed the cultural and generational differences resonated with many of the stories I've heard from my Indian friends. I found it completely charming, funny, and touching. I heartily recommend seeing this film if it comes to your local theater.

In some ways Anurag Mehta was ahead of his time with American Chai. Anurag, an Indian-American, wrote and directed this movie which portrays Indians in a more complex, honest and real way compared to the way they were portrayed in Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom.

I'd love Anurag Mehta to direct a reboot of Slumdog Millionaire to give a true Indian perspective.

I felt those moments of discovery watching "American Chai" like I did when I first saw "Greetings" by Brian DePalma, Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything," and Edward Burns' "Brothers McMullen" -- here's a major new talent.

Yeah it's yet another son-of-immigrants story, but the dialog is fresh, funny, tender and frank, the conflicts real and contemporary, the characters a rich and rounded variety of personalities and social types reflecting the titular mixed blend tea.

Anurag Mehta writes and directs an impassioned movie from the heart, and probably his experiences as an Indian-American artist wannabe growing up in NJ and going to Rutgers. Covering the college years before the young professionals in "ABCD," Mehta managed with no budget and a mostly young, multi-talented cast that's barely gotten their SAG cards, yet sings and writes music (appealing lead Aalok Mehta) and dances (captivating Sheetal Sheth, who was also in "ABCD"), including in funny satires of Bollywood conventions.

Like in Burns' own "Sidewalks of New York," the scene and symbolism setting World Trade Center-dominated background skyline will always let us know what day it was filmed before.

(originally written 4/20/2002)