Read a lot of reviews castigating ABCDs esp. with the C part.
Ppl in india have very strong (mis)conceptions about life abroad and a well-disguised contempt for ppl abroad regards inherent contradictions/complexity in trying to remain Indian+mixing with new cultures. I too was part of the brigade, until my perceptions changed radically after being on the other side for a few years now and experiencing the difficulties that lay in process of ’aclimatization’.
The movie is very real for people who have been there, seen it, done that n all. Obviously, to be entertaining and comic, things are exaggerated. But, it’s a comedy, it does not pretend to be a social commentary on ABCDs and pros n cons of being one. it’s plain n simple fun.
I saw this with a bunch of folks who had done their MS in US Univs. and every stereotype shown in the movie is kind of real.
There are hazzar perspectives to show about American life. Are’nt movies all about that vicarious pleasure of doing something without being there ? This is the best yet and most true handling of this facet of being ABCD.
Only thing I say is; be open towards NRIs n NRI movies. And please don’t let your perception about NRIs cloud your opinion about the movie ! There will be a lot more in pipeline, and unless we show support this initiative will be lost. Agree, a lot of movies by these guys are inane. but so are most of bollywood movies.
One more reason why I appreciate these indie film makers is that I am disgusted with the bollywood-underworld nexus and every time I watch a bollywood blockbuster, I can’t help but get an unsettling feeling that my 8$ will prolly fund some anti-national activities :(
Other movie I can suggest is ’Bend it Like Beckham’ which I found quite truely depicted Londoners .. which is a different breed from ABCDs.
I’d rather look forward to more movies by these film makers than bollywood diros who pride themselves in shooting the entire movie abroad ..