A hopeful Indian actor becomes New Yorks Guru of Sex
Rating: 7/10
Running Time: 91 minutes
UK Certificate: 15
On DVD
Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry) is a young man from Delhi who dreams of becoming an American movie star. In pursuit of his ambitions, he leaves his home and moves to New York, where he discovers that getting into the movies may be harder than he thought. Working as a waiter, he believes he has succeeded when he lands a role in a film, not realising it is a pornographic movie. Failing miserably in his role of porn stud, the film role does at least introduce him to porn star Sharonna (Heather Graham) who gives him much advice about sex.
Returning to his waiting job, Ramu is serving at a party where a wise old guru is expected to be the main attraction. The guru, however, becomes dead drunk and passes out, creating a crisis until Ramu undertakes to pretend to be the guru. The fascinated party guests are captivated by his advice on sex, not realising that it is merely what Sharonna has told him. In particular, Lexi (Marisa Tomei) takes him under her wing and promotes him heavily as a sex guru, requiring him to return to Sharonna for more lessons which she thinks are to help him with his porn career. Things become complicated when he falls for Sharonna, and has to start facing up to his deceptions.
The film is entertaining and lively, occasionally bursting into song Bollywood-style, including a song-and-dance routine to 'You're the One that I Want' from the film Grease. A charming piece of silliness rather than a serious full-on comedy, it nonetheless provides plenty of entertainment. It pokes fun at American gullibility and the fashion for following gurus and spiritual leaders, but with fondness rather than any kind of attack. While there is no real brilliance from the cast, all have their entertaining moments.
It's Got: A cheerful Bollywood feel.
It Needs: More depth to the characters.
DVD Extras Could use more behind-the-scenes information. Extras: Writer and directors commentary, Jimi Mistry commentary, Deleted Scenes, Photo Gallery, Trailers, Teaser. Music Video: Sugababes Round Round. DVD Extras Rating: 7/10
Summary
An entertaining film full of gags that will cheerfully while away a couple of hours without requiring much thought or concentration.