MOVIE REVIEW
Curry Scent
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Christa Boarini
Writer(s): Nisha Sabharwal
Cast: Indigo Sabharwal, Michael McLeod, Nikhil Kamkolkar, Melanie Kiran, Priya Deva, Ankita Sharma, Courtney Warner, Melanie Kiran Choksi, Justin David, Talha Ehtasham, Krishna Sistla 
Where To Watch: available now here: www.amazon.com and on major streaming platforms

RAVING REVIEW: CURRY SCENT tells the tale of Geetha (Indigo Sabharwal,) our 19-year-old protagonist whose family's journey from their homeland in India to Florida encapsulates the trials and tribulations of chasing the American Dream. This narrative mixes the lighter sides of life with weighty topics such as identity and the sacrifices necessary for a shot at stability, all through the lens of an immigrant family. The film's heart shines as it presents these heartfelt themes in a relatable and poignant storyline.

Right from the start, CURRY SCENT sets a resilient tone with Geetha and her family enduring the cramped confines of their new American home. While her parents, Mira (Melanie Kiran) and Ravi (Nikhil Kamkolkar), cling to their cultural roots, Geetha navigates the new waters of American life, striving to merge her heritage with her new reality. This dynamic sets the stage for exploring cultural assimilation and personal sacrifice, delivered through a plot that resonates with viewers from all walks of life.

As financial pressures mount, Geetha's family sees an arranged marriage to a wealthy man, Krishna (Anirudh Keshamouni), as their economic savior. However, the prospects dim when Geetha encounters deep-seated prejudices from Krishna's family, particularly his mother, Suman (Priya Deva), who looks down on Geetha’s less affluent background. This friction introduces Geetha to Krishna’s brother, Lush (Michael MacLeod,) whose genuine affection and disregard for traditional constraints kindle a compelling love subplot against the odds.

The portrayal of Geetha’s evolving relationship with Lush integrates into the broader narrative, enriching the film’s exploration of immigrant hardships. This relationship challenges cultural norms and underscores the personal compromises in pursuing happiness. The screenplay balances romance with the harsh realities of immigrant life, making CURRY SCENT's story appealing to a diverse audience. 

Sabharwal excels with her portrayal of Geetha, perfectly capturing the internal struggle between upholding familial expectations and forging her own path. MacLeod, as Lush, injects a specific energy into the film. His character’s progressive mindset clashes with his family's traditional views, and supporting roles by Kamkolkar and Kiran as Geetha’s parents portray the dichotomy of hope and hardship many immigrant families face.

Christa Boarini's keen eye for detail directs the film, which makes excellent use of its production budget. The contrast between the family’s modest home and Krishna’s opulent environment is visually striking, underlining the socioeconomic divide that pervades the narrative. These visual cues enhance the storytelling, pulling the audience deeper into the characters' worlds.

While CURRY SCENT triumphs in storytelling and performance, its climax could have benefited from a more detailed resolution. The conclusion of Geetha’s journey feels somewhat rushed, leaving viewers yearning for a more thorough exploration of her and her family’s integration into their new community. This is, without question, an indie film, but so much heart went into this production, making the story that much better!

CURRY SCENT is a textured film that blends humor with the challenges of family life in a new place. It’s a journey that captures the essence of striving for a better life while staying true to one’s roots. The film invites its audience to ponder questions about love, opportunity, and what it means to find a place called home.

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[photo courtesy of FREESTYLE DIGITAL MEDIA]

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