Dr. Cabbie

Dr. Cabbie is an ambitious, earnestly written film with a thought provoking, culturally relevant premise. Canadians have often heard of the taxi-driving doctor, especially in the context of medical shortages, and this film attempted to address the issue in an approachable manner. It has all the elements of a classic story: the handsome, charming lead who just wants to help people, a beautiful love interest and single mother, a kooky sidekick and an evil villain with political ambitions. The story occasionally faltered (especially with respect to the politician's storyline and the scenes with him and his father) and it often went for the cheap laughs - slapstick and all - but Dr. Cabbie did so with such enthusiasm that one couldn't help but enjoy the ride!

The protagonist of this movie is a Gold Medalist Doctor from India. He migrates to Canada without even checking if they would allow him to practice. He is this dumb, OK. After knowing that he can't practice in Canada, what would anyone choose driving a cab in a new country or being a doctor and saving lives in your own poor country? Yes, he is that dumb, he chooses to be a cabbie. So, any plot in this movie can not be taken seriously. Now, the jokes, they are offensive and stale. Women with big chests show up everywhere. The migrant cabbie (Kunal) feels at ease in harassing white women, I guess director trying to satisfy fantasies of cabbies. As far as acting goes, the lead, Vinay does not even try. I guess the only audience this movie is made for is the NRIs, But I wonder if people exposed to Hollywood would ever consider watching this.

Dr Cabbie was surprisingly not all that bad. It didn't follow the terrible and cheesy formula like many Hollywood-Indian type films. It had some deep moments and substance. We see a struggling Doctor trying to make it in Canada who finds love due to a woman giving birth in his cab. He later starts giving medical advice and service to customers. When things seem to be going well with his menial job and relationships his life takes a downward turn. It was a nice twist.

The cheesy dance routine at the end was unnecessary and not needed as were the silly bollywood references throughout the film. It had enough depth to make it on its own. Its a film about Indian people and culture in Canada, we get it. Kunal Nayyar was horrendous, he cannot act and is simply not funny. He should stick to portraying inaccurate Indian stereotypes in unfunny sitcoms. Overall not a bad film and passable. You will tolerate watching it but not likely remember it in years to come. I wish they would stop making brainless and diminishing Hollywood Indian related films to serve up to an ignorant western audience, this film was a good departure from that horrible pattern.

Went to the advance screening in Vancouver and had a really good time. The movie is light and funny and had the audience in splits. I'd put this up there with the Harold & Kumar movies - zany comedies with no great intellectual pretences and made purely so the audiences can have 100 minutes of fun and belly laughs. While all the cast members including lead players Vinay Virmani and Adrianne Palicki do a fine job, the surprise package is Kunal Nayyar, better known as Raj. Big Bang Theory fans you're in for a special treat! The story takes the issue of non-recognition of IMGs or International Medical Graduates from many countries not being allowed to practice in Canada despite a shortage of doctors, head on. But mercifully it does so without getting preachy. While the presence of two artists of Indian origin may tempt people to think it will appeal only to a certain demographic, I think Dr. Cabbie is the kind of movie that will be enjoyed by ALL of Canada.

Dr. Cabbie was an interesting movie that combined elements of Bollywood and Hollywood, swinging the audience in a number of exaggerated plot twists. I prefer my romance comedies to be a little more believable and could not help but be distracted by a few details such as voice- overs that were obviously dubbed in and Deepak somehow being given Timberlands to wear in jail. Overall though, the storyline was well thought out, the characters were a riot and the acting was strong throughout. Not a bad watch if you are looking for an easy laugh and an unrealistic plot line.Dr. Cabbie was an interesting movie that combined elements of Bollywood and Hollywood, swinging the audience in a number of exaggerated plot twists. I prefer my romance comedies to be a little more believable and could not help but be distracted by a few details such as voice- oversthat were obviously dubbed in and Deepak somehow being given Timberlands to wear in jail. Overall though, the storyline was well thought out, the characters were a riot and the acting was strong throughout. Not a bad watch if you are looking for an easy laugh and an unrealistic plot line.