A Nice Indian Boy
A Nice Indian Boy starts with an off-beat Naveen, a 30-something doctor who falls in love with a white photographer named Jay, played by Jonathan Groff, that was raised by Indian parents. At the start of the film, we watch Naveen, played by Karan Soni, and Jay go from strangers to lovers. They initially believe they’re incompatible, mainly because of Jay’s taste in films and his tendency to burst into song on the first date, but they quickly learn they’re not as different as they thought.
Naveen is accepted as a gay man by his family, but after spending most of his life keeping his dating life private, his story takes an interesting turn. His parents, who have never truly had to practice their acceptance of his identity, are now faced with the reality of it when Naveen announces he is marrying Jay, his first serious partner, and his first partner they have ever met.
A Nice Indian Boy is heartwarming and grounded in truth as it explores not only the clash between cultures but also the emotional complexity within Naveen’s own family. This includes the complicated yet loving relationship he shares with his sister, who is quietly dealing with her own struggles. The juxtaposition between Naveen’s life and his sister’s, who (at first) seems to have it all together, is handled in a nuanced and thoughtful way.
One of the most affecting arcs centers around Naveen’s father, who must learn that accepting his son is not just about saying the right things (and in some cases, not saying anything at all). It means showing up, being present, and unlearning quietly held beliefs. Through that journey, him and his wife also begin to confront the cracks in their own life and 30-year marriage.
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The film explores racial, cultural, generational, and familial differences without relying too heavily on tired clichés. Rather than focusing on a traditional coming-out narrative, it explores what happens after. That space is often overlooked in queer storytelling. What does acceptance actually look like? How does it vary across cultures, generations, and individuals?
A Nice Indian Boy does a great job showing that acceptance is not always simple or complete. Naveen’s family does not disown him, and they clearly love him, (we can see how hard his mother Megha, is trying), but the film makes it clear that acceptance can come with hesitation, discomfort, and even moments of casual homophobia. That kind of quiet tension can still be painful. Learning how to truly support someone often involves unlearning beliefs, and not everyone arrives at that point at the same time. ANIB leans into that messy reality and gives it space to unfold.
This story, directed by Roshan Sethi, is based on a play by Madhuri Shekar, and I enjoy that much like a play, the film was broken in three clear acts, paying homage to its roots.
A Nice Indian Boy dropped on April 4th and is currently sitting at a strong 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s well worth the watch, especially if you’re into films that sneak up on you emotionally. Expect to be unexpectedly moved to tears and comforted, all in one beautifully awkward, heartfelt swoop.
Get your tickets here.
