American Desi

I agree with the first poster that this is a good movie but don't think you need to have any particular background to enjoy it. I'm sure there were a number of inside jokes that were over my head (in a number of cases I knew while I was watching that it was something I just didn't have a reference for) but that didn't take away much from the experience for me. I enjoyed this as a romantic comedy and I thought it was a good treatment of the different ways a group of young people struggled with identity, cultural heritage, and social mores handed down from family. I thought the filmmakers did a nice job of creating a story that is accessible for all (and maybe particularly funny for those who can relate on a personal level).

First I came across Green Card Fever, then I thought to check out another title with Purva Bedi (Nina) and was not disappointed of American Desi. The movie has a very simple storyline and simple acting, but it brings honesty to the film. Although there are much better adaptations on immigrant life (East is East, Bend It Like Beckham), it made me easy to imagine how it is for someone who originates in a different culture and has to find his/her way of doing things, especially when second generation immigrant. I haven't seen any Indian movies, but I think the dancing/music parts, the costumes, and the tale like love story are a touch of Bollywood. The whole 1.5 hours is full of fun and smile, but funniest to me were the roommates of Krishna, who's character were shaped excellent. So, all in all, if you keep on watching after the first 20 minutes, this is a nice light DVD for a Sunday afternoon, gets 6/10. There's just one question left: what is 'Desi'?

After having seen films like Bend It Like Beckham, Bollywood/Hollywood, American Desi seemed like familiar territory but nevertheless a very one. For those who think the film is cliched, they didn't get it. Because it is meant to give those cliches a humorous look. The humor in the film is very well done. Instead of having an offensive or critical view of anything in particular, the film takes more of a funny spin on things. There are oddities and stereotypes in every culture; the film tries to give the american and desi cultures a bit of a homage, with a chuckle of course. 8/10.

Well, I read a review of this movie, and it didn't sound too promising. However, it had been relentlessly plugged by one of my best friends (who happens to be Indian) and she practically forced me to watch it. I'm really glad she did. This was a hilarious portrayal of a Indian-American guy trying to come to terms with his heritage, all while his hormones were raging. I admit, if I had watched it by myself, I probably wouldn't have been all that impressed. But with my friend there to explain all the cultural and religious references and jokes, it was a truly unique, educational and wholly funny experience.

For an independent film it did a great job. Purva Bedi is hot, a good blend of east/west humor, and a good written script...I went to see this movie and there needs to be more movies like this one that shows indian culture in a good light and not behind a 7-11.

-Ramesh