American Chai

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.

As an Indian, I found this movie almost rather disappointing in the fact that nothing in it was interesting besides some of the side humor. Though well acted and written, it seemed to be following the standard Indian movie where son wants to do something his father and family has forbidden. Son questions himself, challenges his family, and struggles with love. Eventually, he finds his dream as well as acceptance from his family.

These are okay stories, but they grow rather predictable. When will Indians movie talk about other such problems then the usual family issues, or forbidden love? Bend It Like Beckham came close and while it was a good movie, it also still was the typical Indian movie.

I would recommend American Chai, though I am still waiting for an Indian movie that will be something instead of the usual.

Having seen other movies which didn't quite capture the reality of being a first generation Indian, what a refreshing change. This was a movie I think that people of any ethnicity could relate to, whereas others relied heavily on stereo-types of Indians for cheap laughs. I'm interested in seeing this writer/director release some more work, since this was an excellent first outing, if that is the case.

This is by no means a perfect movie, there are some silly things in the plot and it does start to show a little weakness in the ending. However, the characters were likable and the script had a lot of smart writing, and funny moments. Anyone of Indian heritage should definitely check it out.

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)

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.