WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Ah, the pursuit of our dreams. It is more than clear that we ALL wish to see our dreams come true. From childhood into our adult years, there remain those things we desire to achieve and therefore attain our version of success. Yet, when FAMILY gets involved–well–this can prove a little more challenging. Everyone believes they know what’s best for us, and in the ensuing “chaos”, will WE be able to honestly choose it for ourselves?
Recently immigrated from India, a young woman named Geetha (Indigo Sabharwal) isn’t quite living that “American Dream”. Enduring a menial job while living with her entire family in a small apartment, she wants to find the ideal man to change their stars (and status) with. But, it could become a lesson in truly discovering what’s most important, and that all that glitters really isn’t gold.
Next, my Mind:
Cute, charmingly witty, wholly engaging, filled with an overall lighthearted yet relatable approach to its themes, and simply the kind of romcom genre effort you just need to sit back, enjoy, and LOOSEN UP with, this 105-minute romp through the arenas of diaspora, familial interventions, true love, and personal growth arrives courtesy of director/producer Christa Boarini, writer/producer Nisha Sabharwal, along with producers Cameron Brumbelow, Bobby Marinelli, Melissa McNerney, Indigo Sabharwal, and Mohit Sabharwal. Utilizing its myriad of comedic and dramatic moments to their full benefit, this is precisely the style of entertainment-focused fare we could actually use more of. Additionally, amidst all the playfulness and purposefully (but still mirthfully!) manufactured drama, it’s a glimpse into another culture and its clashing with our own that likewise imbues the film with another layer of accessibility. Humorously so, but intentional.
While it feels like so many a story takes place in larger cities like NYC or L.A., the narrative that finds us in the metropolis of–Bradenton, FL ?? (I’ve actually been there, and it IS nice, so….)–where a young but frustrated immigrant woman is desiring to make life much more exciting for herself and her family by finding and marrying a rich “prince” never completely takes itself TOO seriously, but rather goes on a joyous adventure in showcasing precisely how many ways the endeavor can, at first, seem to be going right–until it isn’t–but then take unexpected turns along the way. The pacing is brisk in spite of a slightly longer runtime for most typical romcoms, but honestly you won’t even notice thanks to the sheer magnitude of genuine FUN offered here, which for me is an initial testament to the strength of cast and especially the directing involved.
Thematically the film exercises more depth than one might anticipate for the particular genre piece it is, and looking beyond just the surface can be achieved here without sacrificing one’s baseline venture in delightful and affecting amusement. Explorations into the challenges of finding true contentment in life, arranged marriages, dating and its eccentricities, patriarchal mentalities, class struggle, being proud of one’s heritage, the giddiness but uncertainties of apparent love, needing to be aware of intentions, truthfulness in communication, first impressions, coarse judgement against others deemed unworthy, gleaning what’s sincerely more important, the deep bonds and value of family, the desire to have control over our own choices as opposed to others’ on our behalf even when out of good intent, standing firm for who we are, discovering satisfaction with what you already know, destiny, and cherishing the beauty of the unenvisaged that can alter your life forever all get steady screen time here.
Once more, so many, if not all, of these elements are on display with humor, though some very much sink into your sense of dramatic impact as well. Everything leads to a finale that actually both surprises and pleases, taking a slight deviation in what you might expect or take for granted in this kind of film while providing that fanciful level of heartfelt elation and sigh of relief that things just might work out after all, but truly in the best of ways. Sabharwal is unavoidably endearing, adorably attractive, yet firmly steadfast in demeanor, existing in a space of youthful vigor, innocent vulnerability, and comedically enhanced naiveté through her role here as Geetha. Wanting the best for herself and her family, with whom she shares a rather cramped but livable apartment, Geetha’s forays into the search for love yields trials she must navigate to ensure that the decisions being made ARE her own and no one else’s, which is easier said than done.
As events unfold, Geetha’s ups and downs cause her to reassess all she is and all that really means something for her and her kin’s futures. How it all ends up, per usual, becomes the question at hand, and watching how Sabharwal guides the character through it is an entirely winning effort thanks to the actress’ innate appeal and infectious joviality tempered with instances of credible dramatic soul. As with many an ensemble cast, it is one amazing collaboration of talents that surround Sabharwal here. First are Melanie Kiran and Nikhil Kamkolkar as Mira and Ravi, Geetha’s parents who completely dote on her yet also wish to see the entire family find new success as well. The pair’s calm resilience in the face of the challenges their daughter takes is a reflection of genuine commitment of parents towards their child.
Nirvan Patnaik arrives as Samir, Geetha’s delightfully oddball but totally-committed-to-his-sister’s-wellbeing brother who acts as both support and sometimes closer to a foil for her romantic pursuits and the family’s attempts to improve their station for good or ill. Abi Bais and Krishna Sistla Ward come next as Geetha’s uncle Billu and aunt Beeba respectively, another duo in the family that are so overtly supportive of their niece’s goals while also being quite merrily singular in their own right as a couple. Justin David and Talha Ehtasham are Veer and Adit, Geetha’s two cousins who work hard but are certainly working below their actual ability and worth and like everyone else want to rise above it while remaining true to themselves. Anirudh Keshamouni is Krishna, a man whom Geetha gets set up with and who could represent what she’s looking for, until things could take a decidedly abrupt course change and his potential true colors come out.
Michael MacLeod is Lush, Krishna’s brother who soon finds himself (via his own intent and Geetha’s sudden interest) the center of her universe. But, whether all about him that is so opposite of his brother is really genuine or not still must be determined, leading to plenty of maneuverings and missteps. Priya Deva plays scene stealer extraordinaire here and is honestly one of the standouts amidst this loaded cast through her role as Suman, Lush and Krishna’s highfalutin, unequivocally pretentious mother who effectively makes everyone’s life miserable anytime she listens to her own “illustrious” voice, puts Geetha’s family down, and who definitively wears the pants in her marriage. It’s one of those “WOW, I HATE this woman!” types of characters that Deva brings such deliciously vibrant life to every time she appears.
Sameer Khan is Suresh, Suman’s (we’re guessing!) LONG-suffering husband who does seem more than swept up in his business dealings to notice how maltreated he is or how only mildly veiled his own degree of pomposity is. Malvika Sheth is Shriya, a stuck up but hilariously bubbly rich girl whose affiliation with Lush and Krishna’s family may pose–issues–for Geetha’s initial pursuits. Courtney Warner plays Nancy, Geetha’s family’s nosy landlord who doesn’t appear to appreciate the numbers living in the apartment nor the cuisine therein either. Additional appearances are made by Anita Sharma, Lauren Lich, Akalvir, Edward L. Miller, and Anthony Farid. Folks, I wish I could take the space to literally give FULL credit to EVERYONE’S performances here, because this group IS that entertaining and skilled, but it would warrant adding a volume to the Library of Congress. CAST, PLEASE know I unfeignedly APPRECIATED you all!! GREAT comedic timing and delivery throughout and a HUGE testament to the acting prowess within the indie film ranks.
So, in total, “Curry Scent” delivers precisely what we need in this tempestuous day and age–an enchantingly diverting, straightforward, entirely worthwhile romcom with an authentic spirit, South Asian roots, and distinguishable life lessons that most importantly provides what is also an absolute necessity–a REAL REASON to SMILE and LAUGH! Therefore, kick back, RELAX, and let it just wash over you. Oh, and while you’re at it, stick your nose up in the air so you catch and treasure the scent of exactly what’s cooking here.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
