THE GURU
Starring:
Jimi Mistry, Heather Graham, Marisa Tomei, Christine Baranski and Michael
McKean
Director: Daisy von Scherler Mayer
Running Time: 94 mins
Certificate: 15
Available to buy on DVD 7th April
All his life Ramu (Mistry) has dreamed of going to America and becoming a star. Following his heart he moves from India to New York and instantly wins his first part in a motion picture. Unfortunately it isn't in mainstream movies but in pornography and he just can't rise to the occasion. Ramu then has no alterative but to work as a waiter at Manhattan party thrown for society depressive Lexi (Tomei), whose mother Chantal (Baranski) has hired a Guru. When the wise old man collapses in the kitchen drunk, Ramu steps in and becomes an instant hit as a sexual spiritual guide. The problem is that is knows nothing about sex, so he asks his porno co-star is Sharonna (Graham) to teach him everything she knows.
The movie asks the question "Do you know any Asian stars in Hollywood?" and the only one the characters can name is Abu from the Simpsons and I suppose they are right. Outside of Bollywood, stars from India have never really hit big in the US but this is a movie that might just change that.
The Guru's star, Jimi Mistry (Yes the gay Doctor from Eastenders but he also starred in the UK hit East is East) has what is takes to make it and not be confined, as the movie puts it, to servant and taxi driver roles. He has a very likeable character and brings Ramu to life makes naïve as well as sincere and charming.
Big name Hollywood support comes in the form of the delectable Heather Graham, arguably one of the best looking women in tinsel town and Marisa Tomei. Both of their performances are very good and they give great support to Mistry. The interaction between the porn star and the wannabe guru are some of the high points of the movie.
The amalgamation of Hollywood and Bollywood brings out the best in the two styles. Integrating the traditional rom-com and the America musical with the dance and splendour of Indian cinema works well, bringing a smile to even the most cold-hearted viewer. If Ramu's porno audition doesn't make you laugh then there is no helping you.
Lighthearted, funny and a great date movie, The Guru is good entertainment that will elevate Jimi Mistry's profile both here and in the rest of the world.
Audio commentary from director Daisy von Scherler Mayer and writer Tracey Jackson with star Jimi Mistry, Deleted scenes, Sugababes 'Round Round' music video, Photo gallery, Trailers, Interactive menu & Scene access
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