A Nice Boy: A Unique Take on Indian-American Identity and Love

Exploring Identity and Acceptance in 'A Nice Boy'

During his sister's wedding, Indian-American doctor Naveen faces the familiar inquiry: when will he marry a suitable Indian girl? As a gay man, he ponders the alternative of introducing a charming Indian boy instead.

Naveen (played by Karan Soni) encounters a delightful match with an Indian connection. The photographer Jay (Jonathan Groff) is the adopted son of Indian parents, showcasing a deep appreciation for his cultural roots, particularly through his admiration for Aditya Chopra's classic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which Naveen dismisses as overly sentimental.

Roshan Sethi's film, A Nice Boy, aims to capture the essence of love that makes DDLJ iconic for Jay, presenting a subtle narrative about acceptance and adaptation. Initially titled A Nice Indian Boy, this English-language film, created by North American filmmakers of Indian descent, relies on observational humor and strong performances to carry its story.

The screenplay by Eric Randall is based on Madhuri Shekar's play of the same name. The film occasionally struggles to maintain its momentum, lacking traditional conflict sources such as shock over Naveen's sexual orientation or the challenges of integrating a foreigner into the family.

As Jay is already somewhat integrated into Indian culture, the disapproval from Naveen's parents, Megha (Zarna Garg) and Archit (Harish Patel), feels unconvincing. Naveen's sister, Arundhathi (Sunita Mani), has a more legitimate reason to be upset with Jay, yet her reaction also seems forced.

The film also grapples with the clichés of Bollywood romances that it both embraces and critiques. Hindi cinema has evolved significantly since the conservative themes of DDLJ.

Despite its shortcomings, A Nice Boy addresses the challenges faced by Naveen and Jay without dragging on unnecessarily. With a runtime of 96 minutes, it provides just enough time to delve into Naveen's struggles, though it falls short in exploring the complexities of his parents or Arundhathi, and even Jay.

The film boasts a notable cast, including Jonathan Groff from Glee and Mindhunter, Karan Soni, known for his role in the Deadpool series, the talented Sunita Mani, rising comedian Zarna Garg, and veteran actor Harish Patel. Justin Baldoni is among the producers.

A Nice Boy serves as an intriguing exploration for local audiences curious about the experiences of being gay, of Indian descent, and a Bollywood enthusiast in America. However, viewers may still find themselves questioning the film's depth upon its conclusion. While it strives to avoid the typical overly sentimental Bollywood narrative, it ultimately feels rushed and lacks the depth needed to authentically portray the Indian-American experience.