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First, the Recap:
Per chance to dream. Our goals, our desires, our means by which we would support ourselves through work remains an unwavering, constant pressure upon us. We acknowledge that which we yearn to do for a living, the one that would provide the “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” feeling each and every day. Yet, even if already involved in such endeavors, do we ever wish to face the potential reality that it many never equal the career we long for? Meet Indian-American stand-up comedian Tushar Singh. Striving to make an unequivocal passion his full-time gig, Tushar takes an adventurous yet formidable, exacting leap of faith in order to discover if there’s a fast-track to success or a harder notion of “it’s just a hobby” to accept.
Next, my Mind:
Over the years, I’ve said it many a time when it comes to documentary film that it’s one of the most impactful, intelligent, view-worthy genres of filmmaking to watch since its sole focus is to expose and ideally illuminate one of the world’s ongoing enigmas–real life–and those contained within its grasp that strive to seek their goals and transparently reveal their personal spaces and minds, all while giving us a telling glimpse into what it is to pursue something with such tenacity and fervor that, regardless of the outcome, it is wholly inspiring, challenging, and applicable to all of us and our own life paths.
What we have with this 75-minute effort from director/cinematographer Laura Asherman, producers Court Sullivan, Neil Sapra, and Nitesh Sapra, plus executive producers Chaitanya Dahagam, Ashok Thotakura, and Chanukya Dahagam is precisely that, vividly showcasing the trials and triumphs of a young stand-up comic from Los Angeles whose rise to stardom could happen–if he’s willing to sacrifice a lot to do so. It’s a story of hard choices, tiring travel, familial legacy, revisiting one’s roots, perseverance, and an open mind to listen and learn from some of comedy’s established voices in order to determine if this indeed will all come to pass–or be something that will is more passing that permanent.
Screened as part of the 2020 ECSA: Escapist Cinema of South Asia online film festival presented by Jingo Media and sister festivals DFW SAFF and NYC SAFF, we gain access to Singh’s world through a skillfully (and sometimes very cleverly) placed lens that highlights his career-seeking adventure from the rooms of small clubs in L.A. to the venues and opportunities he discovers in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Goa while having made the decision to travel back to India to see if it will be the true launching point of a star on the rise. What he finds is a definitive mix of disappointments and victories, while also having the chance to visit his father’s childhood home and reconnect with his heritage.
What stands out to me is Singh’s relentless ability to just soldier on even in the face of evident failure at a gig, for all it does is cause him to take his licks and move on, acknowledging his weaknesses and finding means to improve upon them to subsequently find successes. Yet, it’s also clear this is taking a toll on Singh the longer he has to assess whether comedy, his dream, will become that reality he wishes, and he is totally honest and straightforward about how he feels throughout the film, which I applaud and appreciate him for, as it isn’t some easy task to quite literally say “Here’s who I am” to the world at large and know there’s the associated vulnerability that goes with that.
Likewise, I also have to specifically give a huge “Bravo!” to Asherman, as from both watching this film and the ensuing live interview that happened post-screening with her, the sheer energy expended and decidedly difficult barriers to filming in India especially that had to be overcome is a real testament to the indie filmmaking art and the directors behind it who illustrate an enduring passion, heart, drive, and determination to get their stories told in whatever form they may take. Seeing this final product and hearing Asherman speak about it was honestly just as inspiring to me as the film itself, and it made me as a critic continue to realize why I am so consistently encouraged in having ended up immersed in this realm of films and their creators.
Interviews and moments with people associated with Singh and his journey abound throughout the effort, smartly placed though and not overwhelming but just right as family, friends, and perhaps most importantly fellow professional comedians such as Collin Moulton, Abish Mathew, Raj Sharma, Eric Schwartz, Vir Das, Bill Burr, and Russell Peters all weigh in here. It is very endearing and charmingly entertaining as well to have Singh’s adorable mother Bina along for his whole journey, and it speaks so highly of the unwavering support she’s provided to her son in his pursuits, which should be the way it is, even though reality is not always, as we know, ideal in its nature.
As hinted at above, Singh himself is such a quietly intense, coolly laid back, undeniably driven, completely relatable guy and it all shines through so well as he allows us to enter his circle and see first hand the arduousness that is attempting to make stand-up comedy your career. His grounded sensibility even in the face of those who doubt him, much less when he’s potentially doubting himself, remains strong and committed, making him an individual who you cannot help but root for the entire way here. So, in total, with a finale that speaks volumes to the credibility and focused understanding of one man’s choices and how he views career and life, “American Hasi” is a must-see documentary effort that this critic found so many ways to relate to, and I feel you as viewers will too.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Kirk. We are delighted that this film spoke to you so deeply. Keep up the great work!