American Chai (2001) User Reviews

A good first effort.

[mgressma · 6/10 · 27 March 2002]

"American Chai" is a good effort by first time director Anurag Mehta. He also wrote the screenplay, which is OK, but not noteworthy in any way. There's nothing new to the story, a boy pursuing his dream of becoming a musician, even though his father wants him to be a doctor. The value of the film lies in the other conflict, between cultures. The American born son, Sureel, is all American, whereas the father still adheres to many Indian traditions. The film provides a tiny glimpse into this American/Indian culture.

Aalok Mehta, Anurag's real life brother, plays Sureel. To put it mildly, I think his acting leaves a lot to be desired. He's not alone in this regard. Aside from Paresh Rawal, who plays the father, most of the performances were merely adequate. This is not surprising, in that, Rawal is an accomplished performer in India.

The music was good, and I think Aalok has a future there, but otherwise, this is just a run-of-mill movie.

When will movies about Indians in the west be interesting?

[das417 · 5/10 · 20 October 2004]

As an Indian, I found this movie almost rather disappointing in the fact that nothing in it was interesting besides some of the side humor. Though well acted and written, it seemed to be following the standard Indian movie where son wants to do something his father and family has forbidden. Son questions himself, challenges his family, and struggles with love. Eventually, he finds his dream as well as acceptance from his family.

These are okay stories, but they grow rather predictable. When will Indians movie talk about other such problems then the usual family issues, or forbidden love? Bend It Like Beckham came close and while it was a good movie, it also still was the typical Indian movie.

I would recommend American Chai, though I am still waiting for an Indian movie that will be something instead of the usual.

Different than expected

[AishFan · 5/10 · 17 January 2004]

This movie was not that bad. However, from the trailors I was expecting more of a comedy like American Desi. American Desi still easily dominates this newly founded genre of Indian-American movies. Paresh Rawal's comedy is of course brilliant. Most of the movie focuses on the lead's relationship as oppose to second generation Indian life in America.

A terrific movie

[asdalin · 23 April 2002]

I was lucky enough to see American Chai in my sneak preview class. I'm wary of seeing some first time attempts at movie making, but this film was a total treat. I was drawn in from the first 5 minutes. The characters were completely believable and engaging, the story right on the mark, and the way the writer/director portrayed the cultural and generational differences resonated with many of the stories I've heard from my Indian friends. I found it completely charming, funny, and touching. I heartily recommend seeing this film if it comes to your local theater.

Ahead of its time

[safenoe · 6/10 · 12 February 2022]

In some ways Anurag Mehta was ahead of his time with American Chai. Anurag, an Indian-American, wrote and directed this movie which portrays Indians in a more complex, honest and real way compared to the way they were portrayed in Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom.

I'd love Anurag Mehta to direct a reboot of Slumdog Millionaire to give a true Indian perspective.

not bad, not great

[blmmp · 7/10 · 24 April 2002]

entertaining movie that falls short of being the movie that it could've been, but i must applaud the effort. of the three "indian americans growing up" stories (american chai, american desi, abcd), i would rank this in the middle. though chai may have had the best cinematography, the low budget american desi was still the most entertaining. if there were a more charismatic hero chosen than aalok mehta to play sureel, the film as well as the relationship between him and the drop-dead gorgeous sheethal sheth would have been not only more compelling but infinitely more believable. though i must concede that the recurring theme "all things indian are not bad" was well developed, especially in its culmination when ajay naidu's character took in a drunk sureel and let him see what he was all about. good try.

Awful!!

[embaixador · 1/10 · 12 February 2003]

The movie was way too trite. Predictable identity questions. No imagination. What bothered me the most was the main actress's dancing. In the movie, she is supposed to be a very talented dancer. However, in a very uninspiring and way-too-long dance performance sequence, her moves offer a very poor representation of the exciting Indian-American fusion dance scene.

Impassioned Movie from the Heart of Indian-Americans

[noralee · 9/10 · 28 October 2005]

I felt those moments of discovery watching "American Chai" like I did when I first saw "Greetings" by Brian DePalma, Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything," and Edward Burns' "Brothers McMullen" -- here's a major new talent.

Yeah it's yet another son-of-immigrants story, but the dialog is fresh, funny, tender and frank, the conflicts real and contemporary, the characters a rich and rounded variety of personalities and social types reflecting the titular mixed blend tea.

Anurag Mehta writes and directs an impassioned movie from the heart, and probably his experiences as an Indian-American artist wannabe growing up in NJ and going to Rutgers. Covering the college years before the young professionals in "ABCD," Mehta managed with no budget and a mostly young, multi-talented cast that's barely gotten their SAG cards, yet sings and writes music (appealing lead Aalok Mehta) and dances (captivating Sheetal Sheth, who was also in "ABCD"), including in funny satires of Bollywood conventions.

Like in Burns' own "Sidewalks of New York," the scene and symbolism setting World Trade Center-dominated background skyline will always let us know what day it was filmed before.

(originally written 4/20/2002)

A bad episode of Saved By the Bell

[Ahm To Oom · 1/10 · 4 April 2002]

WHAT!? I cannot believe someone wrote this thing and I can't believe someone paid money to have it made! The most predictable movie EVER. I can't believe after all the bad movies in the history of film, someone would still be writing this cheese. The Mehta's get respect for effort and actually getting to make the film, but I feel bad for the poor representation of Indian-Americans. It's your classic tradition versus modern tale, but this time with Indian-Americans and music. Bad jokes, horrendous stereotypes, plain bad acting, save me! Take away the dirty jokes and you have something that would most fittingly be called an "after-school special from 1991."

Hilarious and refreshing!

[vanrosss · 10/10 · 7 April 2001]

This is a hilarious look at late collegiate life with a fresh perspective on many issues. This very well made independent film balances the romance factor well to keep the story going, and manages to pull a tear or two before it's over. The characters are real and have good depth for a comedy. The audience may have a hard time with the father's accent, but the tone of the conversation will give you the idea of what's going on in the story. This will really appeal to an audience who has been in a large college, had controlling parents, or had musical aspirations. The friendships and problems in their lives are integral with solid telling of this story.

pleasant enough

[ritamarlowe17 · 5/10 · 10 September 2001]

I found this to be an inoffensive, mildly entertaining, fluff comedy. This is the sort of movie I would recommend renting to watch with a friend or your mom or something on a Saturday afternoon. Watch for Josh of "New MMC" fame.

Very enjoyable film for all ages and nationalities.

[gjdbombers · 10/10 · 5 April 2002]

I really enjoyed this movie a lot. It may be a low budget, first-time effort but I came away with a sense of exhilaration that few movies have provided lately. The story of an Indian-American college student at "Jersey University" gives an insight into the Indian culture that can be compared to any other race. Typical parent-child disagreements are highlighted hilariously many times in the film. Aalok Mehta plays a musician pretending to be a pre-med major. His acting is good & his musical talents are even better. Sheetal Sheth plays his love interest. She is a very pretty, very capable actress who lights up the screen. The rest of the cast performs very well. It is part comedy. part musical, part Indian, part American, but all fun ! Director Anurag Mehta ( Aalok's brother ) shows enormous talent & potential. I am looking forward to the Mehta Brothers' next project. I just hope this movie gets to reach a big enough audience so it can get the credit it deserves. I strongly recommend it to movie lovers of all ages and nationalities.

Entertaining and Relevant

[neel-mehta · 10/10 · 24 August 2003]

This is a well made, extremely relevant and riotously comical american desi film. If you are of east Indian Origin, you will find this hilarious!! If not, you will still find it interesting. Recommended for all ages and cultures. I know of many such families as depicted in the movie. The music is great too!

Great Movie

[mickmania · 10/10 · 1 September 2003]

I would love to have more movies like this one. I loved it because it shows the truth about how the life for indians are in USA to be more one target Gujus. I loved it i would like to see more or lees something like this for other cultural backgrounds as well. I mean is people from all over India.

A winner!

[Patatus · 9/10 · 8 April 2001]

I attended this film recently at the Wisconsin Film Festival, and I can't recommend it enough! It's about an Indian-American college senior who must finally confess to his traditional Indian parents that he's a music major, not pre-med like they'd thought. While coming to grips with the truth, he discovers love AND an awesome new sound. The dialogue is incredibly witty-- I laughed out loud multiple times, as did the rest of the audience. Writer and first-time director Anurag Mehta shows tremendous promise. Lead actor Aalok Mehta's music is beautiful; I am eagerly awaiting the soundtrack to be released. The supporting performances are also fantastic: Paresh Rawal is perfect as the overbearing father, and Aasif Mandvi's (Engineering Sam) comic timing is impeccable. A great choice for all ages and all cultural backgrounds.

HIGHLY recommended

[mikechant · 10/10 · 2 April 2001]

This was one of the more touching and entertaining films I've seen in some time. The characters are all genuinely likeable and realistic. The movie appeals to all generations and the entire audience was either laughing, crying, or both throughout the movie. It also has an incredible and original musical score (created by the lead actor himself) that, along with this movie, will surely be a hit.

A pleasant surprise!

[xeslaro · 8/10 · 4 June 2002]

I must say that I hold the (maybe not so) unique position of being a first generation American, born to Indian parents. Given the situation, I can probably relate to this particular movie a little more than your average moviegoer.

If you took this film off the reels, added in some commercials, and shortened it to an hour, I could have practically submitted it to A&E as my own personal Biography. I think this serves as a compliment to the Mehta brothers for their believable portrayal of individuals in my situation. Sure, some of the events that transpire may be a little melodramatic, but I don't think that they are enough so to significantly detract from the movie experience.

If you want to go see American Chai, be sure to bear in mind that this movie is clearly targeted at Indian American audiences, particularly American-born Indian Americans. Several scenes in this movie had me doubled over in laughter, while the rest of the audience stared at me like I was crazy. This is not to say that the other members of the audience were disappointed with the movie; I just felt that I was in a position to better understand the finer points of the film, and as a result I walked away with a greater appreciation for what American Chai tried to accomplish.

What DID American Chai try to accomplish, you ask? I feel that this movie was made to light-heartedly examine the internal struggle that affects all first generation offspring, using Indian Americans as a model. Overall, I would say that the movie succeeds at its mission, despite some rough spots here and there. For a debut production, the pacing, cinematography, and script are all well above average. All characters are well portrayed, with highlights being Aasif Mandvi as Engineering Sam and Paresh Rawal as Sureel's Dad.

Bottom line: If either you or a close friend of yours is a first generation Indian American, you absolutely must see this movie. 10/10. Otherwise, this is just another romantic comedy. 6/10. Put those two together, and you get an overall average of 8/10.

Best film out this year

[ceec11 · 10/10 · 30 March 2001]

I just saw this movie at the Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison, WI. The first film for both the director and the leading actor, it was incredible. The screenplay, as written by the director, brought tears to my eyes. For a low budget picture it was incredibly well done. You must see it when it comes to a town near you.

putrid

[quadersa · 8 February 2004]

I noticed the consequence of including spoilers so be forewarned that some things included in the following comment may be construed as such. It is assumed that the inclusion of spoilers "ruins" the movie for those who have not yet seen it. I assure you that the writer and director of this film ruined it far before this review was written.

I was having a hard time believing that someone actually wrote dialog for this movie as it was so awful that ad-libbing would have been preferable. The father and the cousin were such extreme caricatures of Indian-born men that Apu from the Simpsons would have been offended. I was flabbergasted that so many Indians responded positively to this film. Having attended many university Indian cultural programs I can say with confidence that the Maya character's dance was the worst I have ever seen. The fact that she won a dance scholarship can only be explained if all the other applicants were quadriplegics.

I have to admit that there were two positive points in this film. The lead character makes an interesting point during a speech where he remarks on the irony that India with one of the richest and most artistic cultures in history now mass produces doctors and engineers who are discouraged from exploring the arts. Second, although he can't act to save his life, the lead character is a decent musician with and can carry a tune.

That said, don't be fooled as I was by the DVD case that compares this film to Bend it Like Beckham. Watching American Chai is like watching paint dry. It is extremely slow and the dialog, like noxious fumes, will leave you with a splitting headache.

capra goes to bollywood

[mwa · 5 May 2001]

I thought this was a sweet, endearing portrayal of a classic immigrants` dilemma: the struggle to balance assimilation and alienation. The performances and direction were very good; what bothered me most about it was the over-reliance on cliched formulae: boy-gets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-almost-gets-girl, a la Woody Allen`s Manhattan; outrage at arranged marriage, a la a range of British south-asian flicks, not to mention Fiddler on the Roof; and pure Capracorn. i know that the American dream is a motivating force of great power, but this movie embodies a go-go 90s blind optimism, which borders on the cloying. Character motivation for the finale is completely unconvincing, nearing deus-ex-machina levels of ineffability. Yet, as a clever and highly commercializable ethnic formula-pic, it is a hit. The blandness and conformity of the engineers and doctors, which the film so openly derides, has seeped into this project as well. But this is the kind of treacle which will probably make a small wave. At least the director`s brother and lead male, Mr. Mehta, will! But, tell me, how is this different from the stories of immigrants from dozens of other cultures? I beg other readers to name some. Finally, and most disappointingly, I learned little about India or Indians from this movie. So, though i applaud the effort to tell the American uber-tale from yet another angle, I found myself wishing it weren`t so predictable and cliched.

Relating to the film/Quality of acting

[treemonkey · 8 November 2003]

I loved watching this film because, being Indian, i felt that i could really relate to it. It was amazing to see how the main character interacted with his parents, because it was the same way that i did with my own.

Also, i thought that the quality of the acting was brilliant. The actors portrayed their characters effectively, really giving a true idea of Indian teens in college and the challenges that they face when it comes to the divide between the modern day mix of cultures and tradition.

Fun and forceful look and crossing cultures and coming of age

[pattknt · 25 March 2002]

I've just seen American Chai and listened to the director and actor discuss their film. I must say the portrayal of Indian American lives was most interesting. The way in which the young college students cope with their heritage, the different American mores and the humor they use to express themselves, make this a wonderful film, not just about coming of age as an Indian American, but coming of age period. The music for the film was also quite moving.

Proves there is hope for Indian-American movies

[jn420 · 8 August 2004]

Having seen other movies which didn't quite capture the reality of being a first generation Indian, what a refreshing change. This was a movie I think that people of any ethnicity could relate to, whereas others relied heavily on stereo-types of Indians for cheap laughs. I'm interested in seeing this writer/director release some more work, since this was an excellent first outing, if that is the case.

This is by no means a perfect movie, there are some silly things in the plot and it does start to show a little weakness in the ending. However, the characters were likable and the script had a lot of smart writing, and funny moments. Anyone of Indian heritage should definitely check it out.