American Desi

Stereotypical in parts. Don't tell me a Sikh would dress like that on campus! Also what's with the last name Reddy (south Indian) and speaking Hindi with a northern accent at home? It should have been something like Singh or Kapoor. Little things like this mess up the story's authenticity. Someone should have caught that. The other contrived scene was the crooked Indian shopkeeper - I know they lack in good service, but not that bad! Unless they were calling attention by way of a parody. Overall it was a fun movie. Good job by the director/actors.

I honestly believe the intentions of this movie were honorable and it sought to appeal to those of us who are 2nd generation Indians here in the US...

I was excited to see how we'd be portrayed, whether our complexities would be outlined, the duality of our upbringing explored and highlighted, etc...

Unfortunately the plot centers around silly stereotypical caricatures instead of 3-dimensional characters. Any potential for serious, compelling drama is overshadowed by ridiculous American Pie-esquire humor mixed with culture-clash comic situations. Moreover, it wouldn't hurt to do a bit more research with the subject matter to present a realistic portrayal of Muslim cultural practices. (I've never known ANY of my Muslim friends to interrupt their prayers/namaaz for a conversation.)

Nice try though guys... You probably got a few laughs. We can't all be Mira Nair though can we?

As an American Indian in New York I could relate to the title character's confusion about his Indianness. At the same time I sympathised with him about the religious mumbo-jumbo thrust upon young Indians. A romantic story at heart, this movie skewers various stereotypes about the Indian community. A tremendously enjoyable film, specially if you understand the setting of an ABCD.

First I came across Green Card Fever, then I thought to check out another title with Purva Bedi (Nina) and was not disappointed of American Desi. The movie has a very simple storyline and simple acting, but it brings honesty to the film. Although there are much better adaptations on immigrant life (East is East, Bend It Like Beckham), it made me easy to imagine how it is for someone who originates in a different culture and has to find his/her way of doing things, especially when second generation immigrant. I haven't seen any Indian movies, but I think the dancing/music parts, the costumes, and the tale like love story are a touch of Bollywood. The whole 1.5 hours is full of fun and smile, but funniest to me were the roommates of Krishna, who's character were shaped excellent. So, all in all, if you keep on watching after the first 20 minutes, this is a nice light DVD for a Sunday afternoon, gets 6/10. There's just one question left: what is 'Desi'?

First half had me laughing out of my seat. Being a Canadian-born confused desi I could relate to all of the humour. The second half of the film was a bit of a letdown as the writer tried to resolve the issues in a quick fashion. I would liken this movie to "Soul Man" where there was great potential but only a "good" movie as a result. Thoroughly enjoyable but could have been a classic!