“A Nice Indian Boy” is exactly what it set out to be: a cute, heartwarming romantic comedy. It tells the story of Naveen (Karan Soni), an introverted doctor, who falls in love with Jay (Jonathan Groff), a photographer. Cultures collide when the two decide to wed and Naveen has to introduce Jay to his traditional family. The film is not trying to reinvent the genre or surprise the audience with a shocking twist — it is simply about two people falling in love and all the awkward, nervous and deeply human moments that come with that. It is endearing, funny and filled to the brim with heart.
Karan Soni absolutely shines throughout the film. His portrayal of Naveen, the awkward yet sincere lead, strikes the perfect balance, shy in a way that feels familiar rather than performative. There is something so honest about the way he moves through the world, stumbling through conversations, trying to please his parents and figuring out how to love someone else while still learning how to truly love himself. His chemistry with Groff’s character isn’t the kind of sizzling and fast paced tension from rom-coms of the past. Instead, it is soft and sweet. It works because both characters are equally unsure and vulnerable, and that mutual nervousness is what makes their connection feel so genuine.
Groff is utterly hilarious as Jay. He is truly the comedic heart of the film. His physical comedy alone makes the film worth watching, from the random nervous vaping in the most chaotic of moments to the impromptu musical performance that includes actual body percussion, he delivers some of the film’s most unexpectedly funny moments. He brings a lovable goofiness to the role, balancing Soni’s inward awkwardness with an unbridled chaotic energy. His presence adds life and levity to the film, making the romance feel even more nuanced and dynamic.
One thing that really stood out while watching the film was just how specific a lot of the humor and references were. As an Indian American viewer, I found myself laughing out loud at the little details — specific lines, family interactions and cultural quirks — that didn’t seem to register with much of the audience around me. The movie leans into its cultural specificity unapologetically, not attempting to explain itself or water anything down. It is made with the diaspora in mind, and that makes it an even better representation.
One such thoughtful detail is that its love story is based on “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” a film that is foundational to Bollywood culture. This framing creates a bridge between generations, introducing the classic story to new audiences while also reframing it through a more inclusive lens. Almost everyone I know within the South Asian diaspora has watched “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” at some point in their life, and seeing it woven into this narrative felt like a quiet reminder of where we come from and how we are continuing to evolve these stories to reflect who we are becoming today.
Beyond its fresh take on rom-com tropes and charming performances, “A Nice Indian Boy” does something even more impactful by giving us queer South Asian representation — representation that is still far too rare. This is one of the first and only major films on the big screen that centers around a queer Indian-American love story. That alone makes the film worth celebrating. The story doesn’t treat queerness as a tragedy or a punchline. Instead, it is tender and authentic. It is full of love — not just romantic, but familial, cultural and self-affirming love. There’s something heartwarming about imagining younger queer South Asian kids watching this film and seeing themselves reflected within its narrative. So many kids grow up without seeing their identities represented on the screen, and when they do, it’s often in limited or stereotypical ways. However, this film tells these kids that they all deserve love. That message, in itself, is powerful.
Of course, not everything in the film works perfectly. Some moments lean a little too far into the cringe. There is a fine line between “aww, they’re awkward” and “oh god, please stop talking,” and the movie definitely dances across that line a few times. The dialogue, at times, also felt a little stilted, with some scenes lingering longer than they needed to and some exchanges feeling unpolished. However, the film is smart enough not to overstay its welcome, wrapping things up before the pacing ever becomes a real issue.
In the end, “A Nice Indian Boy” is more than a rom-com — it is a film about being seen. It is about seeking acceptance from your partner, your family, your culture and, most importantly, from yourself. While the film does have its issues, it is meaningful, joyful and definitely worth a watch.
