One of the better movies in the American-Indian genre.I mean its a whole lot better than the soporific and clichéd American Desi varieties where the entire film revolves around "getting in touch with ethnic roots" and "India is great" syndrome.The characters seem to be thoroughly fleshed out and identification with the issues they face comes easily( although I have never visited the USA).Great performances by Pooja,Reef,Mohit, Gauang, Gaurav...relatively unheard of names but quite believable performances.Bharati and Anjann are as ever ,superb..they looked more like the mature and aging Wagles . As an Indian living in India, I enjoyed it..the Americans would expect I guess a lot of background, far removed as they are from Indian realities and the Indian psyche. With no particular story line that has a beginning and end, this is just a movie that lightens the mood and leaves you amused all through.
14 Reviews
Good but could have been better
ravi_kotamraju4 March 2005
I have seen a fair share of American Indian movies and can safely state that Flavors is definitely the best of the lot. The story follows the lives of different sets of Indians in the US of A like a three jobless bachelors, a desi guy about to marry an American woman and his parents , a bored house wife and two close friends living on the opposite coasts. The film makers have shown the American life from many viewpoints. The best part of the movie was the conversations between Rachna and Kartik. It reminded me a little about of 'When Harry met Sally'. The only flaw in the movie was a slightly confusing plot which tries to follow too many characters.
refreshing "Flavors" of life
balusmbox1 September 2006
OK, I was a bit unhappy seeing a few negative comments about this movie. I wanted to answer them in the small review of mine.
Why is this name flavors -- Not bcos they all meet at a restaurant. But bcos this movie tries to captures different (not all) flavors of NRIs in USA. Why they have funny characters -- The characters are not intended to be funny, U laugh out loud bcos if you know indians u could relate all the characters that you saw in this movie. Its this relation that brings a smile to your face.
I totally loved the movie, and its way better than all the "American-*" movies abt NRIs in India trying to "re-discover" themselves. I can watch this movie a hundred times for the "Parents" and for "sangeetha"
Why is this name flavors -- Not bcos they all meet at a restaurant. But bcos this movie tries to captures different (not all) flavors of NRIs in USA. Why they have funny characters -- The characters are not intended to be funny, U laugh out loud bcos if you know indians u could relate all the characters that you saw in this movie. Its this relation that brings a smile to your face.
I totally loved the movie, and its way better than all the "American-*" movies abt NRIs in India trying to "re-discover" themselves. I can watch this movie a hundred times for the "Parents" and for "sangeetha"
Sweet, beautiful and funny
beethoven249321 July 2004
Flavors was beautifully filmed, light-hearted, sweet and funny. Its leisurely pace allowed me to get to know all the characters; really, getting to know them and seeing how they develop and interact over the three weeks is the entire point of the movie. I like movies like that - think "Go!", "Barcelona", "Pulp Fiction". Also I think it does a good job of being an Indian movie, introducing Americans to the Indian perspective on living in America, while still showing situations that everyone can relate to.
The best thing about it was how light-hearted it was. It showed the humor in everything, brought out humor in everyday situations, smiled in bright sunshine the whole way through. I had a lot of fun and often laughed out loud.
The best thing about it was how light-hearted it was. It showed the humor in everything, brought out humor in everyday situations, smiled in bright sunshine the whole way through. I had a lot of fun and often laughed out loud.
Sensitive & amusing - stands apart from the rest!
nathanvp4 September 2004
What struck me most was the care that seem to have gone into this smart little film. A bunch of us saw this film together and we had a great time grinning at each other every time something happened on the screen that we could relate to.
I like the fact that makers were very sensible to the characters and even though none of the characters really had much time on screen, they made a very lasting impression. We still use some of those dialogs from the movie - very funny indeed!
We also spent a good chunk of time analyzing the film as to how each of those characters knew each other and I have to say it's a very good job in tying all them lose ends. Very tight!
Overall, it was a great fun film that is not just a comedy with a bunch of jokes but some very good insight, some smart screenplay and great characters.
I would rate the film as one of the most entertaining... actually THE most entertaining film in this line of Indo-US films. I've seen a handful of them and none of them even attempt to do more than a straight forward film with those age old stories on identity crisis or generation gap.
I like the fact that makers were very sensible to the characters and even though none of the characters really had much time on screen, they made a very lasting impression. We still use some of those dialogs from the movie - very funny indeed!
We also spent a good chunk of time analyzing the film as to how each of those characters knew each other and I have to say it's a very good job in tying all them lose ends. Very tight!
Overall, it was a great fun film that is not just a comedy with a bunch of jokes but some very good insight, some smart screenplay and great characters.
I would rate the film as one of the most entertaining... actually THE most entertaining film in this line of Indo-US films. I've seen a handful of them and none of them even attempt to do more than a straight forward film with those age old stories on identity crisis or generation gap.
subtle humor ONLY for those who can appreciate it...!
kya_lega16 January 2005
The movie offers realistic, engrossing, funny and thought-provoking insights into the lives of Indians in America than those seen in big-budget Hindi films. The reason being that FLAVORS was written and directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, software professionals who have a sharp eye for the humor and sadness around them.
The modestly made film could do well with stronger technical accomplishments, but it is gripping and seldom boring. More important, it has been receiving attention from the mainstream media, including the influential trade publication, Variety, that praised its 'likeable, credible actors and snappy dialogue.
The modestly made film could do well with stronger technical accomplishments, but it is gripping and seldom boring. More important, it has been receiving attention from the mainstream media, including the influential trade publication, Variety, that praised its 'likeable, credible actors and snappy dialogue.
funny movie could be better scripted
rishi_is_here-114 August 2008
Guys this movie is so kool..and this is made so authentic...i have seen these characters in real life..my god, hardly any one of them are known actors except Anjan Srivastav and Bharati Achrekar as very old faces in Indian soaps, yet they made it so real life..but only one small problem , the story ends in a bit dull way, i don't know what could make it better..its like all is well at end but that could be achieved with some senseless humor like on the final wedding day everybody caught up in some funny race even the bride and the groom and kinda accidental happy ending could have made this movie a block buster..nonetheless as i said if you guys want to know about true colors of Indian it guys in US watch this movie....
Fresh and Full Surprise
vermadushyant11 November 2004
It just happened one bored evening having seen all the movies in the theater. Flavours was last among the available choices, with all the credits unheard and lot of risk putting a few precious hours at stake. Cursing myself, I resigned to the fate of actually buying a ticket.
The film is not brilliant, but close to heart and can be felt. They best part about it, I was not in a dream or fantasy or a rebel with a cause. I was like looking in the mirror and at times I would laugh as well.
The ending was brilliant and one good watch.... The movie is not aspirational but is enjoyable and can be recommended.
The film is not brilliant, but close to heart and can be felt. They best part about it, I was not in a dream or fantasy or a rebel with a cause. I was like looking in the mirror and at times I would laugh as well.
The ending was brilliant and one good watch.... The movie is not aspirational but is enjoyable and can be recommended.
Still the best Indian American film!
rajstuff23 April 2009
Saw the movie again on telly. It's still the best Indian American films I've seen. The characters I think are why the movie is such a delight to watch repeatedly. Plus the unexpected twists, which you don't expect in romantic comedies, make the film better than the standard ones in this category of films.
The jobless friends story is so apt in these economic times. The cycle repeats: I think when the movie was made the times were tough too and now we are back to the same low and worse. But watching this film gives me a chance to smile even during these tough times.
Love it! This is definitely one for all the weekend parties!
The jobless friends story is so apt in these economic times. The cycle repeats: I think when the movie was made the times were tough too and now we are back to the same low and worse. But watching this film gives me a chance to smile even during these tough times.
Love it! This is definitely one for all the weekend parties!
Several stories woven together
Neti115 March 2007
I saw this on Star TV last night (Mar 14, 07) after a 'hard day's work' :) at the office and was bowled ... completely bowled. It was tightly edited and in spite of just snippets of lives that one sees, the characterization was very good. There were several times I was ROTFL (I mean literally) and that doesn't happen with many movies for me.
I thought the characters of Sangeetha, Rachana and Kartick were very well done. Kudos.
While Anjan Shrivastav (otherwise an awesome actor) and Bharti Achrekar were OK, I thought they were a little caricatured.
Jenny was wooden.
All in all, very much paisa vasool.
I thought the characters of Sangeetha, Rachana and Kartick were very well done. Kudos.
While Anjan Shrivastav (otherwise an awesome actor) and Bharti Achrekar were OK, I thought they were a little caricatured.
Jenny was wooden.
All in all, very much paisa vasool.
Can any one share the lyrics of its songs
prajapk27 August 2020
Spectacular addition to Indo-American cinema
movie_maker30 August 2003
Flavors is the new gold-standard for Indo-American cinema, and sets the bar *very* high. This is the most grin-, guffaw-, chuckle-, and howl-inducing film I have seen in a very long time. Directors Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru have accomplished something that I have long suspected and seldom seen - that comedy can be fast-paced, clean, heartening, and insightful without compromising the genre.
So go see Flavors for the chattiness and character-development of Robert Altman, the non-linearity and parallel storylines of Quentin Tarantino, and the quirkiness and ultimate humanity of R K Narayan. And then go see it again, this time with a shameless grin of anticipation plastered all over your mug!
So go see Flavors for the chattiness and character-development of Robert Altman, the non-linearity and parallel storylines of Quentin Tarantino, and the quirkiness and ultimate humanity of R K Narayan. And then go see it again, this time with a shameless grin of anticipation plastered all over your mug!
Refreshingly Different
shalakha_shama-130 August 2004
Finally, after a spate of I_am_rediscovering_my_Indianness Indo American films, it was really refreshing to see one that is different. Here is a movie you will love for its raw charm, absence of stereotypes and good humor. Not just 'good' humor - 'excellent' humor I must say- I was laughing all the way. Of the four different stories that make up the film, my favorite was that of Vivek, a chocolate-faced, pathetic guy who obsesses about this girl back in India. If you are Indian, you can't help but notice how most characters resemble people you know in your everyday life. Well scripted characters and good performances. Bharti Achrekar and Anjan Srivastava steal the show. If this well-crafted feature is the debut effort of the directorial team, you bet I am going to be watching out for their upcoming releases.
rated as funny but turned as boring
joesgirlanderson14 September 2004
The movie is not so funny as it seemed to be something went missing , may be the director has changed the script so that it is confusing.He could have made it much more interesting without the silly characters who are supposed to make people laugh but they failed as though.Itis not up to the audience expectations some where lost in the middle.The only saving source is "sangita" played by sireesha , she truly reflects the manner and behaviour of Indian women who accompanies their husbands to US and will not have a clue of what they meant to be and what exactly are they supposed to do.
She really deserves some appreciation for her work though it's her first film.Looks so innocent and sensitive for any one who looks at her will definitely fall in love with the character.
I hope the director will learn from his mistakes and try not to repeat the same in future and i wish him all the best.
She really deserves some appreciation for her work though it's her first film.Looks so innocent and sensitive for any one who looks at her will definitely fall in love with the character.
I hope the director will learn from his mistakes and try not to repeat the same in future and i wish him all the best.
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