Genre – Rom-Com
Director – Roshan Sethi
Writer – Eric Randall
Cast – Karan Soni, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Zarna Garg, Harish Patel
Runtime – 96Minutes
My Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½☆☆
Where To Watch/Stream A Nice Indian Boy
A Nice Indian Boy is a total delight, full of warmth, humor, and honest family drama, and I wish more people were talking about it
A Nice Indian Boy hit me in ways I wasn’t expecting It’s both funny and moving, and if you’re after a rom-com that doesn’t just play it safe, you should watch this film.
Plot Summary of A Nice Indian Boy (Spoiler-Free)
Naveen is a gay Indian-American doctor living in New York. He’s in his 30s, has a close-knit but very traditional Indian family, and he’s still single. Growing up with the usual loud, loving family drama, he’s always wondered what his own wedding might look like, even though cultural expectations have kept him from fully stepping into his own life.
Then, at a Hindu temple, he meets Jay, a photographer. They click immediately, but there’s a big challenge ahead: introducing Jay to Naveen’s parents, who come with their own set of expectations and worries. The story follows Naveen’s emotional journey as he navigates love, family, and identity with all the awkwardness and warmth you’d expect from any good rom-com.
A Nice Indian Boy Review: Is It Worth Watching?
A Nice Indian Boy is funny, heartfelt, and packed with moments that made me laugh out loud and others that caught me off guard. And it deserves a bigger audience.
It’s not just a story about a gay man dating someone new, it’s also about the tangled, complicated relationships with family that come with cultural expectations, especially in South Asian communities, and about trying to find your place between tradition and modern life..
Karan Soni as Naveen is brilliant, and he carries the film with a natural charm and vulnerability. Jonathan Groff, who plays Jay, also brings a lot of heart to his role, and their chemistry seems very effortless.
But it’s not just the leads. The supporting cast absolutely shine as well. Zarna Garg, as Naveen’s mother, brings this infectious energy and humor to the film, and this was her first film role, too. Harish Patel as the father provides those quiet, touching moments that hit just right, and Sunita Mani as the sister adds a nice blend of sass and sweetness.
The script is smart, too. It anticipates every possible criticism and handles them head-on with wit and heart. It’s the kind of writing that makes you know the writers know what they are doing, and the film tackles themes of internalized trauma, family pressure, and the fear of rejection in ways that feel incredibly authentic.
And yes, there’s a Bollywood tribute near the end that’s bright, bold, and joyous, and it was a perfect way to close the film.
If you haven’t watched A Nice Indian Boy yet, and you don’t mind rom-coms, hell even if you don’t like them, give it a watch and let it show you how good a rom-com can be.
It’s warm, funny, and refreshingly honest about family and identity. I wasn’t expcting to like it as much.
What I liked (And What I Didn’t like)
Pros
Genuine Performances
Karan Soni steps up to deliver a lead performance full of heart. He made Naveen feel like a real guy, and not some typical stereotype.
The Family Dynamics
The way Naveen’s relationship with his parents is portrayed is incredibly honest. The love is obvious, but so are the tensions and unspoken expectations.
Smart and Funny Script
The writing is sharp and often hilarious. It avoids lazy jokes or stereotypes and instead offersquite a witty dialogue..
First-Time Film Actress Stealing Scenes
Zarna Garg as the mom is absolutely fantastic. You’d never guess it was her first feature film.
The Emotional Moments
This isn’t just a comedy. Some scenes surprised me by how much they moved me, especially the quiet ones with the parents.
The Bollywood-Style Ending
The final sequence is a vibrant celebration of culture and love, a perfect way to end the movie on a high note and leave you smiling.
Cons
Some Supporting Characters Could Have Used More Depth
While the main cast shines, a few side characters felt a bit underdeveloped. It would have been nice to know more about Naveen’s friends or extended family.
Pacing Slows Down at Times
The movie drags in a few spots, especially in the middle.
The Relationship Development Could Be Smoother
The romance between Naveen and Jay felt a little rushed. A bit more time spent on how their relationship grew would have been good.
Who Might Like A Nice Indian Boy
- Fans of romantic comedies that go beyond the usual formula
- Viewers interested in stories about cultural identity and family dynamics
- People who enjoy films with LGBTQ+ themes and representation
- Anyone looking for a heartfelt, low-key film about love and acceptance
- Viewers who appreciate sharp, witty writing with real emotional moments
Who Might Dislike A Nice Indian Boy
- Those expecting a traditional Hollywood rom-com
- Viewers who don’t like films focusing on cultural specifics or family drama
- Anyone looking for something completely unpredictable or groundbreaking
- People who dislike slower, character-driven storytelling
Final Verdict: Did I Enjoy Watching A Nice Indian Boy?
A Nice Indian Boy is a rom-com that doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, but it does it with warmth, humor, and a ton of heart.
It’s has a few issues, but it’ deserves way more attention than it’s getting.
Oh, and while the film was released in festivals in 2024, it got its theatrical release in 2025, so will count it as a 2025 release.
7.5/10
A Nice Indian Boy Trailer
Simon Leasher
A lover of cinema for over 35 years, I have watched many films from around the world in many different genres, yet I still normally always come back to trashy slasher horror films when in doubt. More
And yes, The Godfather 2 is better than The Godfather.
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