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Bollywood meets Hollywood in “A Nice Indian Boy”: A fresh take on love and culture
A film that challenges norms
Jonathan Groff belting out Bollywood classics is at the heart of “A Nice Indian Boy”, a trailblazing gay rom-com that’s gaining attention at the BFI London Film Festival. Directed by Roshan Sethi, this film pairs Groff with Karan Soni, known for his iconic role in the “Deadpool” series. Together, they defy Hollywood conventions with their cross-cultural love story, initially premiered at SXSW. The movie aims to breathe new life into both LGBTQ+ and South Asian representation on the big screen.
Crafting a cross-cultural love story
The journey of “A Nice Indian Boy” began in 2019 when Levantine Films secured the rights to Madhuri Shekar’s play. The screenplay adaptation by Eric Randall led to Sethi’s involvement in 2021, after the success of his previous film “7 Days.” He invited his real-life partner Karan Soni to co-star, and Groff came on board after being impressed by “7 Days.”
Set in the United States, the film tells the story of Naveen (played by Soni), a socially reserved doctor, who brings his fiancé Jay (Groff) home to meet his traditional Indian family. They must come to terms with accepting his white, orphan, artist boyfriend while planning the Indian wedding of their dreams.
Behind-the-scenes insights
“It was probably the most personal thing we’ll get to make,” Soni shared. The characters and storyline underwent significant transformations to reflect personal experiences. Intriguingly, the character of Naveen was not initially a doctor in the script, but given Sethi’s background in medicine, it felt like a natural fit.
Sethi, emphasizing the film’s unique angle, stated, “Representation isn’t about avoiding stereotypes but showcasing lived experiences.” He further explained that the current landscape of diversity in films often falls into homogeneous groupings, which doesn’t reflect the intertwined reality of today’s world. This film aims to portray that messy blend of cultures and identities.
Immersing in Bollywood culture
For Groff, a Broadway star with limited exposure to Bollywood, the role of Jay was a deep dive into a new cultural world. He prepared by watching the beloved Bollywood classic “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) to master a key musical moment in the film. Groff’s scene, where he sings the timeless “Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam” from DDLJ, stands out as a highlight. His dedication and unexpected vocal techniques left everyone “turned on,” as Soni put it.
Despite the cultural gap, Groff found the family dynamics remarkably relatable. He was surprised at how familiar it all felt, noting, “Families are families, no matter what culture you’re in.”
Overcoming production hurdles
The production faced numerous challenges, including a tight schedule. With only four weeks of pre-production and a 21-day shoot, the team had to work intensely. Soni’s commitment to “Deadpool” and the impending SAG-AFTRA strike added to the pressure. Moreover, funding the film was an uphill battle. “We barely got this movie made,” Sethi admitted, highlighting the difficulties faced, especially with financing in Hollywood’s often discriminatory environment.
Groff’s participation was pivotal in securing funds. Sethi candidly described the industry’s challenges, stating, “None of the Indian actors are deemed meaningful enough to obtain financing,” exposing Hollywood’s systemic biases.
Personal milestones and broader impacts
For both Sethi and Soni, the film marks significant personal achievements. Sethi, who still practices medicine, reflects on his journey from being closeted six years ago to making a highly personal film. He never imagined he would be out and creating a movie so reflective of his experiences. Soni echoed these sentiments, recalling his early days in Hollywood and how he couldn’t have envisioned leading such a personal project.
The film is set for a theatrical release early next year, followed by streaming availability. The filmmakers are hopeful about its commercial success, citing positive responses from diverse test audiences. Interestingly, white women scored highest in test screenings, indicating the film’s broad appeal.
Sethi hopes the film transcends niche audiences. He believes diversity should enrich storytelling, offering new and intriguing narratives that breathe life into the art rather than marginalizing it.
Future projects and optimism
As the release of “A Nice Indian Boy” approaches, the cast is already moving forward with new ventures. Soni is set to star in the thriller “Fade to Black,” while Sethi is working on a new romantic comedy, returning to more conventional storylines. Groff, fresh from his Tony win for “Merrily We Roll Along,” is back on Broadway with “Just In Time,” a musical about the life of singer Bobby Darin.
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