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American Chai

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American Chai reviews
46
8.8 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 12 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 8 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Drama

Written by: Anurag Mehta

Directed by: Anurag Mehta

Release Date:
Theatrical: April 5, 2002

Running Time: 92 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: R for some sexual dialogue

Starring Aalok Mehta, Paresh Rawal, Sheetal Sheth, Josh Ackerman, Ajay Naidu, Aasif Mandvi, Jamie Hurley, and Anand Chulani

A funny, heartfelt, coming-of-age story about Sureel, a first generation Indian-American college boy who can't tell his traditional parents he wants to be a musician, not a doctor. (Fusion Films)

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

80

Film Threat Merle Bertrand

This well made, slightly cornball and riotously comical romantic comedy not only extols the old fashioned American dream, but charmingly celebrates the virtues of the great American melting pot as well.

Read Full Review >
75

Philadelphia Inquirer Steven Rea

The picture uses humor and a heartfelt conviction to tell a story about discovering your destination in life.

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70

New Times (L.A.) David Ehrenstein

Full of fresh and unexpected observations about the cross-culturally complex lives of second-generation Indians living in the U.S.

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63

New York Post Megan Lehmann

Much of the movie's gentle charm comes from Mehta, the director's younger brother, making his acting debut.

Read Full Review >
60

The New York Times Lawrence Van Gelder

American Chai may not tell a new story, but in its understanding, often funny way, it tells a story whose restatement is validated by the changing composition of the nation.

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60

TV Guide Ken Fox

Mehta says it all so articulately and with such good humor.

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60

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

Perceptive, good-natured movie.

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50

The Onion (A.V. Club) Nathan Rabin

The ethnicity of its leads is the only novel aspect of an otherwise bland exercise.

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50

Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington

There are no surprises in this movie -- not even in the Bollywood parodies, when the hero and heroine finally, subversively kiss. There is talent, though.

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30

Washington Post Desson Thomson

This ethnic family sitcom thing is rapidly turning into wearisome cliche, and American Chai doesn't hold a candle to either "Beckham" or "Greek Wedding."

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30

Village Voice Ed Park

As earnest as a community-college advertisement, American Chai is enough to make you put away the guitar, sell the amp, and apply to medical school.

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30

LA Weekly Mark Olsen

Chai's structure and pacing are disconcertingly slack. Missing the loose ends and ambiguities of actual conversation, the dialogue makes characters sound like they're delivering speeches rather than interacting.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

T. Thomas gave it an 8:
This movie makes a great point while making you laugh from time to time. I think it's one of the better Indian American movies made.

[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
This was a great movie. These critics say it makes u want to put away your musical instruments and go to medical school when it actually does the exact opposite. This movie has a great plot and some very funny parts to it. If it was focused only on comedy like "American Desi" then the plot wouldn't be as developed. "American Desi" is funny but has a very poor plot as compared to this movie.

J. K. gave it a 9:
I don't know what these reviewers are talking about...this movie is solid. Funny, touching and some great music.

Rajesh L. gave it a 10:
Funny!!

Tarik T. gave it an 8:
I actually thought it was funny considering I am not a fan of indian movies. Some reveiwers are stuped.

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