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Chutney Popcorn

2000, Movie, NR, 93 mins

Chutney Popcorn: Review

CHUTNEY POPCORN
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Conventional ideas about family get a thorough working over in this colorful comedy, written and directed by Nisha Ganatra (who also stepped into the role of Reena when the actress she'd originally cast backed out shortly before shooting started). Set in New York City's outer boroughs, where South Asian immigrants mix it up with a thriving lesbian community, the film centers on Reena (Ganatra), her commitment-phobic girlfriend Lisa (Jill Hennessy), and the complications that ensue when Reena's sister Sarita (Sakina Jaffrey) learns she's unable to have a child. As close as they are, Reena and Sarita are complete opposites. Sarita has chosen a comfortable life with house, husband (Nick Chinlund), and the prospect of a large family. Reena has opted to follow her dream of becoming a photographer while earning a living as a mehndi artist, applying intricate filigree designs on her clients with temporary henna dye, then snapping them with her camera. Her traditional-minded mother Meenu (Madhur Jaffrey), doesn't quite get Reena's life, and wishes she'd settle down with a nice young man. When Sarita is devastated by the news that she'll never be able to get pregnant, Reena has an idea: Why not act as a surrogate mother? Demonstrating once again where the road paved with good intentions leads, Reena's noble offer stirs up unexpected feelings in everyone involved. The movie is a little clumsy — a few jokes land with a dull thud, and Reena's friends are more lesbian types than characters — but that's only to be expected in a first film. What's amazing is how much first-time director Ganatra and cowriter Susan Carnival get right, from the complex interplay between characters that recalls Ang Lee's early family comedies, to the way they flavor the film with traditional Indian culture, adapting age-old ceremonies for these rapidly changing times. leave a comment --Ken Fox
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