Roshan Sethi’s A Nice Indian Boy is a touching and comical queer romantic comedy that confidently honors its cultural background without the need for justification or apology. While it aligns with common themes found in narratives exploring the generational gap between first-generation South Asians and their immigrant parents, it transcends these clichés to delve into identity — both personal and cinematic — in innovative and unexpected manners.
Drawing inspiration from quintessential Bollywood romance, the film follows Dr. Naveen Gavaskar (Karan Soni), a gay Indian American physician whose parents are ostensibly supportive of his sexuality — as long as he discovers “a nice Indian boy.” Enter Jay Kurundkar (Jonathan Groff), a white individual who was adopted and raised by Indian guardians. Jay’s cultural knowledge and sincere admiration for Indian customs surprise Naveen, especially when they encounter each other at a Hindu temple, where Jay flawlessly pronounces “Ganesh.”
From this point onward, A Nice Indian Boy evolves into both a romantic comedy and a familial drama. It’s a tale filled with uncomfortable first dates, cultural miscommunications, and the emotional weight of merging tradition with self-expression. Jay’s existence compels Naveen to face not only his own doubts but also the unspoken tensions within his family dynamics.
The film cleverly alludes to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), the legendary 1995 Bollywood romance, using it as a reference point for both parody and tribute. Jay’s off-key performance of “Tujhe Dekha To” is simultaneously charming and awkward, underscoring the film’s blend of humor and authenticity. Yet, unlike DDLJ, where the romantic climax serves as the ultimate objective, A Nice Indian Boy positions its significant romantic moment centrally, allowing for a deeper investigation of what follows — the complicated, real-world effort of constructing a life together.
Structured like a five-act play (adapted from Madhuri Shekar’s original stage work), the film grants each member of Naveen’s family their moment under the spotlight. His sister Arundhathi (Sunita Mani) grapples with the double standards she encountered growing up. His mother Megha (Zarna Garg) strives to be supportive in humorously clumsy fashions, such as binge-watching queer reality shows for insight. And his father Archit (Harish Patel) wrestles with silent acceptance, finding it hard to articulate his love.
Director Roshan Sethi approaches these emotional moments with sensitivity, employing visual storytelling to highlight the contrast between Naveen’s inner calm and the vibrant chaos surrounding him. Whether during a colorful wedding or a spirited dinner party, the camera captures the friction between cultural norms and individual identity. The film’s comedy and drama stem from the same source: the pressure to comply, and the bravery required to break away.
What distinguishes A Nice Indian Boy from other cross-cultural narratives is its refusal to adhere to a predictable trajectory. While films like The Big Sick or Ms. Marvel have paved the way for narratives regarding South Asian identity in the West, this film delves deeper into the subtleties of cross-cultural adoption, queer love, and emotional openness. It’s not merely about acceptance — it’s about transformation.
Jay’s journey holds just as much significance as Naveen’s. As someone nurtured in an Indian environment but never fully embraced as Indian, Jay yearns for connection and belonging. His passion for Bollywood transcends mere fandom — it’s a pathway to understanding and articulating love. For Naveen, Bollywood encapsulates cheesy escapism. The film finds a harmonious blend, merging stylized romance with grounded emotional truth.
The outcome is a rom-com that’s as uproariously funny as it is profoundly moving. Its most impactful moments are often the quietest — a gaze exchanged between father and son, a tentative sign of affection, a shared silence that conveys so much. These subtle gestures of love and understanding ultimately unite the characters.
A Nice Indian Boy is a remarkable find: a film that’s culturally nuanced yet universally relatable, brimming with heart, laughter, and humanity. It’s a narrative about learning to communicate each other’s love languages, whether through Bollywood tunes, awkward family meals, or simply being present. With its dynamic direction, sharp dialogue, and exceptional performances, it stands out as a crowd-pleaser deserving comparison to classics like Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding.
A Nice Indian Boy is currently showing in theaters.