When Opposites Attract and Cultures Collide

Read Time:4 Minute, 18 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
A Nice Indian Boy
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Roshan Sethi
Writer(s): Eric Randall, Madhuri Shekar
Cast: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, Harish Patel, Peter S. Kim, Sas Goldberg
Where to Watch: Available in select theaters on April 4, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: Romantic comedies often promise a charming escape but rarely deliver something genuinely memorable. Too often, they're predictable, serving familiar scenarios without depth. Yet, a film surprises us now and then—not by reinventing the genre but by genuinely investing in its characters, creating authentic and relatable connections. Roshan Sethi’s A NICE INDIAN BOY is a delightful surprise, blending humor and genuine emotion within a vibrant exploration of culture, identity, and the modern dating experience.

Adapted from Madhuri Shekar’s stage play, the film introduces us to Naveen Gavaskar, portrayed by Karan Soni. Naveen is a reserved young doctor who spends far more energy worrying about life than truly living it. Enter Jonathan Groff as Jay Kurundkar, a charismatic photographer whose outlook and bold romantic gestures challenge Naveen’s cautious existence. As their connection unfolds, the storyline illustrates how two very different personalities can coexist and thrive together.

Soni’s performance as Naveen is a welcome departure from his usual supporting comedic roles. He transitions into leading-man territory, giving Naveen depth and relatability that grounds the film. Groff, known for his screen presence, complements Soni beautifully, turning Jay's larger-than-life romantic antics into genuinely heartfelt moments. Their dynamic feels believable, drawing audiences into their journey rather than merely observing from a distance.

The film expands beyond a straightforward love story, adding layers by exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and cultural expectations. Naveen’s parents, Megha and Archit—played with complexity by Zarna Garg and Harish Patel—offer diverse perspectives on adapting to changing family dynamics. Garg excels as the loving but occasionally overzealous mother, delivering a light-hearted comedy alongside moments of sincere emotional connection. Patel's portrayal of Archit provides a subtle yet profound contrast, embodying reflection as he navigates tradition against modernity.

Adding further nuance, Sunita Mani portrays Naveen’s sister, Arundhathi, who faces her challenges. Mani balances humor and sincerity, enriching the narrative with reflections on personal happiness versus family. Her subplot complements rather than competes with the central romance, adding dimension.

Early interactions between Naveen and Jay are especially effective, depicting Naveen's gradual transformation under Jay’s influence. These initial segments blend the comedic and emotional core, making their connection compelling. However, as the film progresses, it occasionally loses focus. Broader comedy beats sometimes overshadow deeper character-driven moments, slightly diminishing the depth established earlier. A more balanced emphasis on Naveen’s internal conflict over cultural and personal identity could have provided stronger resonance.

While the humor maintains audience engagement, the screenplay could have benefitted from smoother transitions between comedy and serious moments. Rapid shifts between these tonally different extremes occasionally disrupt the film's emotional continuity, making some character developments feel abrupt.

The film captures Bollywood’s energy without tipping into caricature or exaggeration. Director Roshan Sethi connects personally with the material, thoughtfully integrating musical and dance sequences into the storyline. These moments do more than entertain—they highlight authentic cultural expressions, providing insight into modern Indian-American life.

Ultimately, A NICE INDIAN BOY succeeds by prioritizing genuine depth and believable relationships over flashy storytelling. Its strongest asset is the authentic chemistry between Soni and Groff, supported by a talented ensemble cast who bring something special to their roles. The relatable characters and insightful cultural commentary make this romantic comedy enjoyable and meaningful.

A NICE INDIAN BOY may not revolutionize the rom-com genre, but its charming performances, humor, and thoughtful reflections on culture and identity ensure it resonates with audiences. It’s a film that makes you laugh, makes you feel, and ultimately reminds you why you fell in love with romantic comedies in the first place.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of LEVANTINE FILMS]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.