In the landscape of romantic comedies, A Nice Indian Boy offers a fresh and heartfelt perspective, blending cultural nuances with universal themes of love, family, and acceptance. Directed by Roshan Sethi (World’s Best), this film is a joyous exploration of identity, tradition, and the bonds that shape us, all while keeping the audience laughing and reflecting on the complexities of modern relationships.
When Naveen (Karan Soni) brings his fiancé Jay (Jonathan Groff) home to meet his traditional Indian family, they must navigate the complexities of acceptance, cultural expectations, and the challenge of planning their dream wedding.
The film opens with the vibrant, joyful wedding of Naveen’s older sister, Sunita (Arundhathi Gavaskar), where everyone seems to be celebrating—except for Naveen, who quietly observes on the sidelines, wondering what it might be like to bring home a “nice Indian boy” one day. Director Sethi and co-writers Eric Randall (“Bones”) and Madhuri Shekar (“3 Body Problem”)—who adapted the screenplay from their own play—deliver a charming, funny, and heartfelt story that resonates on a deeply universal level.
Fast-forward six years: Naveen is now a fully qualified doctor, still single, and keeping his personal life private, despite being out to his family. His sister believes their parents treat him differently, while his father (Harish Patel), a man of few words, struggles to connect. His mother (Zarna Garg) has plenty to say, but still longs for a deeper connection with her son.
When Naveen finally falls for someone, it’s not the “nice Indian boy” his parents might have hoped for, but Jay—a charming, intelligent, and sensitive artist who happens to be white. Raised by an older Indian couple who have since passed away, Jay is deeply immersed in Indian culture, practices Hinduism, and even sports a tattoo of the god Ganesh. He and Naveen bond over their shared love of classic Bollywood films, particularly Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge—a movie that plays a key role in both their relationship’s trials and ultimate reconciliation.
Groff brings a magnetic charisma to his role, and his chemistry with Soni feels genuine and engaging. However, it’s Patel who truly steals the show with his understated humor and scene-stealing delivery. As the film reaches its emotional climax, Patel delivers one of its most poignant lines in a quiet moment of vulnerability with Jay—a line that, as a father myself, brought a tear to my eye.
The film concludes with a joyful, Bollywood-style celebration, bringing both the characters and the audience to a heartwarming, triumphant finish.
This refreshingly queer take on the classic rom-com is an absolute delight, guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts. Say “I do” to this film—you won’t be disappointed.
VERDICT:
A Nice Indian Boy will receive a nationwide release on April 4, 2025.
