Plays like a toddler running along a lumpy field, stumbling every few feet but always getting back up and eventually reaching his destination, unharmed and happy.
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05/21/02
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American Chai (2002)
52
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:21
Fresh:11
Rotten:10
Average Rating:5.6/10
Theatrical Release:Apr 5, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: An Indian-American college kid, Sureel (Aalok Mehta), is pressured by his parents to be a doctor, though he dreams of becoming a musician. He has obvious musical talent. He sings, composes, and... [More]
Starring: Aalok Mehta, Sheetal Sheth, Aasif Mandvi, Josh Ackerman
Director: Anurag Mehta
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Reviews for American Chai
The funniest, most unabashadly goofy indie film to come out in quite some time.
12/08/02
A spiffy romantic comedy about how love can be a catalyst to self-esteem and answering an artistic calling.
04/05/02
The movie is amateurish, but it's a minor treat.
04/05/02
Enormously likable first feature from writer-director Anurag Mehta.
04/05/02
In its understanding, often funny way, it tells a story whose restatement is validated by the changing composition of the nation.
04/04/02
Top CriticAn inexperienced director, Mehta has much to learn.
04/15/02
Top Critic[It's] difficult to get beyond the overall blandness of American Chai, despite its likable performances and refreshingly naive point of view.
06/07/02
Top CriticDue to some script weaknesses and the casting of the director's brother, the film trails off into inconsequentiality.
04/30/02
Chai's structure and pacing are disconcertingly slack.
10/07/02
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.
04/02/02
Top CriticThe picture uses humor and a heartfelt conviction to tell a story about discovering your destination in life, but also acknowledging the places, and the people, from whence you came.
04/18/02
Top CriticIt is too bad that this likable movie isn't more accomplished. The actors try hard but come off too amateurish and awkward.
04/05/02
American Chai encourages rueful laughter at stereotypes only an Indian-American would recognize. And the lesson, in the end, is nothing new.
05/16/02
Top CriticA perceptive, good-natured movie.
04/05/02
Top CriticThis ethnic family sitcom thing is rapidly turning into wearisome cliche, and American Chai doesn't hold a candle to either Beckham or Greek Wedding.
11/14/03
Top CriticA slight but sweet film.
04/05/02
Top CriticBy now, I've seen far too many American indie movies with similar semi-autobiographical subjects.
07/20/02
Top CriticThis worldly dramedy can't overcome its jolting amateur vibe.
04/05/02
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