If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

I noticed the consequence of including spoilers so be forewarned that some things included in the following comment may be construed as such. It is assumed that the inclusion of spoilers "ruins" the movie for those who have not yet seen it. I assure you that the writer and director of this film ruined it far before this review was written.I was having a hard time believing that someone actually wrote dialog for this movie as it was so awful that ad-libbing would have been preferable. The father and the cousin were such extreme caricatures of Indian-born men that Apu from the Simpsons would have been offended. I was flabbergasted that so many Indians responded positively to this film. Having attended many university Indian cultural programs I can say with confidence that the Maya character's dance was the worst I have ever seen. The fact that she won a dance scholarship can only be explained if all the other applicants were quadriplegics.I have to admit that there were two positive points in this film. The lead character makes an interesting point during a speech where he remarks on the irony that India with one of the richest and most artistic cultures in history now mass produces doctors and engineers who are discouraged from exploring the arts. Second, although he can't act to save his life, the lead character is a decent musician with and can carry a tune. That said, don't be fooled as I was by the DVD case that compares this film to Bend it Like Beckham. Watching American Chai is like watching paint dry. It is extremely slow and the dialog, like noxious fumes, will leave you with a splitting headache.

I attended this film recently at the Wisconsin Film Festival, and I can't recommend it enough! It's about an Indian-American college senior who must finally confess to his traditional Indian parents that he's a music major, not pre-med like they'd thought. While coming to grips with the truth, he discovers love AND an awesome new sound. The dialogue is incredibly witty-- I laughed out loud multiple times, as did the rest of the audience. Writer and first-time director Anurag Mehta shows tremendous promise. Lead actor Aalok Mehta's music is beautiful; I am eagerly awaiting the soundtrack to be released. The supporting performances are also fantastic: Paresh Rawal is perfect as the overbearing father, and Aasif Mandvi's (Engineering Sam) comic timing is impeccable. A great choice for all ages and all cultural backgrounds.

This was one of the more touching and entertaining films I've seen in some time. The characters are all genuinely likeable and realistic. The movie appeals to all generations and the entire audience was either laughing, crying, or both throughout the movie. It also has an incredible and original musical score (created by the lead actor himself) that, along with this movie, will surely be a hit.

I just saw this movie at the Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison, WI. The first film for both the director and the leading actor, it was incredible. The screenplay, as written by the director, brought tears to my eyes. For a low budget picture it was incredibly well done. You must see it when it comes to a town near you.