Romantic comedies often walk a fine line between heartwarming and overly emotional, but A Nice Indian Boy, directed by Roshan Sethi (Call Jane), lands comfortably in the sweet spot. Adapted from Madhuri Shekar’s stage play, the film brings a fresh and culturally grounded perspective to a familiar genre—offering laughs, sincerity, and just enough complexity to keep things meaningful without ever feeling heavy-handed.

The story centers around Naveen Gavaskar (Karan Soni – Deadpool), a reserved Indian-American doctor whose carefully structured life takes a welcome detour when he meets Jay Kurundkar (Jonathan Groff – Glee), a confident, charming man who just so happens to have been adopted and raised by Indian parents. What begins as a meet-cute at a local temple blossoms into a sincere romance that challenges not only cultural expectations but also family dynamics as they navigate the idea of a traditional Hindu wedding.

The film is structured into chapters, giving the narrative a clear rhythm that makes each emotional turn feel deliberate and digestible. This choice helps ground the story, allowing the viewer to settle into each phase of the relationship and the family’s evolving understanding.

While the film certainly embraces some rom-com tropes—quirky side characters, feel-good montages, and a few sentimental speeches—it never loses its footing. The characters are layered, their relationships believable. Soni and Groff have genuine chemistry, and their performances carry emotional weight beneath the charm. Sunita Mani (Glow) delivers a standout performance as Naveen’s bold and hilarious sister Arundhathi, while Harish Patel (Run Fatboy Run) and Zarna Garg (The Zarna Garg Family Podcast) shine as the well-meaning but culturally tethered parents.

A Nice Indian Boy doesn’t aim to reinvent the romantic comedy—it simply elevates it. It finds strength in accuracy, letting culture inform character and story rather than serving as a punchline. And while it isn’t overly dramatic, it still manages to explore identity, family, and love with a refreshing sense of care.

This is a movie that knows what it is: a digestible, heartfelt, Hallmark-adjacent love story with an authentic emotional core. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, doesn’t try to do too much—and that’s exactly why it works.

Final Verdict:

A Nice Indian Boy is funny, warm, and sincere, offering a feel-good viewing experience without becoming overly sentimental. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of inclusive romantic comedies or anyone looking for a heartfelt story with charm and cultural depth.

Rating: 8/10 – Great

Movie Facts

• Title: A Nice Indian Boy
• Director: Roshan Sethi
• Screenplay: Madhuri Shekar
• Based on: A Nice Indian Boy (stage play) by Madhuri Shekar
• Genre: Romantic Comedy / Drama
• Starring: Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Harish Patel, Zarna Garg
• Runtime: 105 minutes
• Language: English
• Country: United States
• Release Date: March 15, 2024 (U.S. theatrical release)
• Distributed by: Film Independent / Roadside Attractions

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Author

Dylan Lepore is a multimedia professional, entrepreneur, and lifelong gamer who’s passionate about blending creativity with strategy. As the founder of LeporeMedia and The Part-Time Gamer, and the Business Manager at Port City Architecture, Dylan brings a unique mix of storytelling, design, and business savvy to everything he does. He lives in Portland, Maine with his fiancée.