My Faraway Bride (2006) User Reviews

Light-Hearted Fun

[Ramnagel · 6/10 · 19 November 2016]

A paint-by-numbers romantic comedy. But the clichés still work. There are some stand-out elements, like the "rickshaw" driver. Very predictable in a totally satisfying way.

One of the gems of this movie are the bloopers and outtakes during the end-titles. The "rickshaw" driver performs an awesome parody of De Niro's famous "You lookin' at me?" scene from Martin "Marty" Scorsese's "Taxi Driver". Only during the end-titles do you fully realize what fun was had by all, and how talented some of this cast is.

The only way to hate this movie is to indulge the mean-heartedness of some blackened corner of your soul.

Who was SHE?

[spotter-8 · 23 March 2009]

I came across this film while flipping through the satellite channels one rainy Saturday afternoon, and left it on for a while because with over 357 channels, there was really nothing on. Bruce Springsteen needs to update his song.

I don't know how many Americans are familiar with Bollywood movies, but I'm given to understand that most of them involve a man and a woman who fall in love and must overcome many obstacles in order to be together. Also as I understand it, there must always be a happy ending. We have our own clichés, like the monster in a horror movie must always show up for the sequel, no matter how dead it was before, or that cars must fly through the air during accidents. Me, I kinda prefer the happy endings. Indestructible monsters and cars bouncing around like ping-pong balls leave me cold.

The movie itself was simple, straightforward, and predictable, but there was one thing it had that made me watch it again. That was the secondary female character, played by Neha Dubey. Throughout the movie she seemed attractive enough, but not especially so...and then she was called upon to dance in a musical number for the movie that was going to be made. For me, at least, she went from slightly attractive to jaw-droppingly, rock-between-the-eyes, can't-look-away stunning, all flashing eyes and brilliant smile and fascinating choreography. If I see that this movie is going to be on satellite again, I'll watch it again, just for that dance routine.

Enough of the stereotypes. Please spare us!

[emailraja · 2/10 · 5 November 2006]

I saw most of "My Bollywood Bride" today at the IAAC film festival in New York and had to leave the theater due to feelings of nausea welling up within me. I've seen Bollywood movies, and I've seen satires of Bollywood movies. This movie couldn't decide which one it wanted to be, so it ended up being a joke on itself.

It seems to have been liberally copied from movies like Bride and Prejudice and Bollywood Calling, and what a sloppy, lazy job at that. How can Bollywood ever be weaned off of its determination to stick to overused, well-trodden scripts? Is there no one who can bring to the screen the millions of real, fascinating stories that surely exist and transpire in the land of a billion people? The over-smart auto driver, the cow on the street, gratuitous scenes of foreign locations, pointless scenes of Mumbai streets, they're all in there. Every possible cliché about India has been faithfully included. So sickeningly predictable. ugh!!! Acting performances are weak across the board except for Neha Dubey, who is talented and beautiful. One wonders why she would pick a project like this.

not worth your time of money

[custom22 · 2/10 · 10 January 2007]

Unbelievable!

this film gets a 7 out 0f 10. This has to be one of the worst films i have seen in years. not only was the acting incredibly bad, the storyline (if you can call it that) was just as bad. Offcourse everyone knows what's going to happen within the first 5 minutes. Which is not a bad thing if you can captivate the audience during leading up to that moment. That however, is not the case. There is no action, no suspense, not even a spark between the 2 leading actors. It was unfortunately a waste of my time, and certainly a waste of my money.

and the 2 of merely for trying

Soooo predictable. Poorly acted, horribly written

[puckhead95 · 2/10 · 15 January 2006]

I didn't expect much when I saw this at the Palm Springs Film Fest this weekend. It was an alternate choice when two other films were sold out. Still, I held out hope. It sounded a bit much like "Bride and Prejudice" (L.A. guy falls for an Indian beauty, parental conflict, blah blah blah). B&P was not perfect but it was an enjoyable film with some good laughs and likable characters.

"My Bollywood Bride" had none of that. The acting seemed stilted and way to by-the-numbers. Characters were so cliché the story seemed like it could have been written by high school freshman drama student. Technically, the sound really bothered me. It seemed as if there was a lot of over-dubbing of dialogue. I mean a lot. I know sometimes it's necessary but it sounded like half the film was shot in a closet and it became very distracting.

Two stars is being somewhat generous.

HORRIBLE.... cant describe it in any other word

[sajid-saiyed · 1/10 · 7 May 2013]

Having grown up and lived my entire life with Bollywood, I would rate this lowest even in Bollywood standards.

The movie portrays things is a very distorted fashion. Things don't look and work the way they showed it in the movie.

Forget all that, the acting sucked big time...

The story was a big flop too, I mean, come-on.... Even the camera work, cinematography or music is nothing to talk about as well.

I was totally surprised to see a few people rated it highly. Nothing of "Exotic India" is shown here (as mentioned by someone in the comment.

If you want to see good Bollywood movie, then check out "Lagaan", "The Namesake" there are many more with good storyline, good direction and good acting.

Give this one a miss for anything else.... I mean ANYTHING :)

Teeming with spice.

[roarksgirl · 8/10 · 25 January 2007]

This film wasn't ponderous enough to whet my appetite for a bollywood drama, but it does have a tasty balance of music, romance and unforgettable characters. It's never laugh out loud funny, but is frequently amusing. I was giddy with delight in the film's capture of India's sights, colors, tastes and sounds. Old world meets new is the theme for the film's soundtrack. The humorous ensemble cast guides the audience to discover that while being immersed in a foreign culture, human nature stays pretty much the same world over. A joyful infusion of disco, bollywood and lamental melodies that sent my spirit soaring. I had to remind myself - this is after all an American film! It's done with enough bollywood flair to leave me satiated. :)

Good fun film, simple!

[info-11708 · 10/10 · 25 January 2007]

Hey, saw the film in NY at the festival. It was cool. Hot girls and guys, great shots of India, drama and comedy! My girl loved it and I know some of her friends whom are Jason Lewis fans are dying to see this! I saw one other Bollywood film and this was much better and made for a western audience. This was also a family cool film with hardly anything in it to offend but one innuendo...maybe. Where Bobby K speaks of the ocean but Alex (Lewis) thinks he means something else! Funny! I also loved the Producer guy, Shekkhar and his little "I'm too sexy for my shirt!" stuff! If you want an easy colorful romantic comedy to watch...I recommend watching it for sure!

Enjoyed the Movie all the way

[ortegaracer · 9/10 · 16 January 2006]

I strongly disagree with the other vote. A person goes into a movie like this knowing that they are about to see an easy going romantic comedy. And it was just that. The whole movie I was entertained and I thought the acting was very good. There was problems with the sound i noticed, but i actually took the time to ask Brad Listermann, the producer, after the movie about the sound. Listermann told me that they were still finishing up the sound and they knew there would be problems at the showing in Palm Springs. So I'm sure when they get done with the sound you wont be able to notice any blemishes.

Overall i would for sure say this is a movie that shows culture from India very well and is a movie that a person of any age can enjoy.

fabulous film

[kandece-brown · 8/10 · 19 January 2006]

I saw "My Bollywood Bride" this past weekend at the Palm Springs Film Festival. I just found out it won "Best of the Fest". What a fun film this is and what a great new introduction to Kashmira, the gorgeous ingénue. She's a accomplished actress in India's Bollywood. She's beyond beautiful. The story is a light-hearted love story and reflects the principles of Indian family life - what's allowed, what isn't. It's interesting. All the characters are a riot. My friends and I are calling each other "Shaker G". Once you see the film you'll know what that means. You should definitely check out the film - the music, the costumes, the exposure to the Indian & Bollywood culture, and the story itself are all captivating. It's a great ride, regardless of age - make sure to check it out!

Heartfelt Film

[balifox · 8/10 · 6 November 2006]

This is authentic love at its best. Hollywood meets Bollywood in this cross-culture, cross-continent dreamy love story. Filled with lavish color and sharp wit, My Bollywood Bride takes us on a tour of exotic India to find love between two kindred spirits. If you miss boy meets girl, true romance type of passion, you will find it between Kashmira Shah and Jason Lewis within this film.

Supporting characters like Ash Chandler and Gulshan Grover provide the classic style of a Hollywood romantic comedy, while beauties like Kashmira, Neha Dubey and Madhuri Bhatia shine presenting the luxurious elegance of a Bollywood musical.

This is a heartfelt film.

Best of east and west!

[CarolinaMovieFan · 10/10 · 17 January 2006]

What a wonderful film. It brought the best of the east to the west. This was like a crash course in Bollywood and Indian culture. I am so glad I happened to be in Palm Springs over the weekend.

It was fast paced, exciting, colorful and really funny. Jason Lewis looked so different from his roles in Sex and the City. I think that audiences will be thrilled to see their favorite hunk in a romantic role.

The editing and cinematography were superb! The acting was mostly excellent. Loved that "seven steps to Bollywood" scene.

Can't wait to watch this with my friends.

My Bollywood Bride

[dmandella04 · 9/10 · 24 January 2007]

I saw this film with the preconceived notion that it would be a typical Bollywood film with all the musical numbers and extravagant sets and wardrobe. I was pleasantly surprised.

This film was not at all what I expected. It was a wonderful, endearing romantic comedy. Not only was the story charming - a fresh take on the classic theme of "how far would you go for love?" - but the look was amazing as well. Beautiful shots of both India and LA alike. I would recommend this film to anyone looking for a break from the heavy political and action films that seem to be dominating the scene right now.

Where Bollywood meets Hollywood

[nicole666 · 8/10 · 5 November 2006]

"My Bollywood Bride" is a very cute and entertaining "Sunday night-feel good" movie which I've just seen it at the Indian Arts Council Film Festival in NY this weekend! It's a "fish out of water" story filled with cute scenes and dialogs starting in Venice Beach and ending at the diner table of Reena's house in India. Some of the dancing scenes are intense, powerful, fun to look at and I was in particular struck by the choice of beautiful Indian wardrobe and the intensity of some of Mumbai's street scenes well captured by the cinematographer John Drake. Nice production value! Although, I personally would have wished to see more of those Venice Beach scenes.

Some of the performances are outstanding. Just to look at Kashmera Shah as Reena, she who looks like as beauty from another planet. Her dancing and acting throughout the feature are just marvelous and provides the audience with a great inside look into the capability of some of Bollywood's top A-list actors. Other excellent performances such as the riksha driver and Alex' new best friend in India are played so well that you will just have to fall in love with them! Also a very notable screen- and dance performance by Neha Dubey. I've heard some (girls) say that Jason Lewis looks even better in this cute flick than he did in "Sex in the City"...

A "must-see" not only for independent or Bollywood film fans - but for everyone!