INDIA SWEETS AND SPICE

US, 2021, 101 minutes, Colour.

Sophia Ali, Manisha Koirala, Rish Shah, Adil Hussain, Deepts Gupta, Ved Sahu.

Directed by Geeta Malik.

More than probably some reviewer or blogger has said this is a Crazy Wannabe Rich Indians, via New Jersey. Most of the characters, especially those born in India and migrating to the United States have put a great deal of their life effort into appearances and keeping up appearances. So, one of the underlying themes is Secrets and Lies. (Just checked, the first blogger on the IMDb made the connection but was caught up less in the plot – a pity – but more on the gorgeous costumes!)

While the film is an American enterprise, the writer-director and the star have Indian background. Many of the supporting cast have the same although Sheila, the mother character (Manisha Koiorala), is from Nepal originally and the other main character, Bhairavi Deepta Gupta), is from Pakistan.

As regards the title, it would seem to indicate that this is a “foodie” film. While there are a number of parties, and some more than passing glances at some of the food being served, it is not a focus on the kinds of food, preparation and cooking, serving. That is taken for granted.

Rather, this is the story of Alia (played most engagingly by Sophia Ali), American born, comfortable in American style and culture, respecting the Indian traditions. She comes home for the summer break from UCLA, finding the Indian traditions somewhat oppressive, respecting her father, rather alienated from her snobbish mother who seems to embody the haughtiness of the Indian tradition and preserving appearances.

There is a complication when Alia goes down to the popular store and market, Indian supermarket where everybody shops – but the women would not be seen socially with the owners! Alia notices, quite instantly, Varun (Rich Shah), the owner’s son working during the holidays. Love story elements at once – although, the community has expectations for Alia and the son of a prominent family, Rahul. Impulsively, Alia invites them to her family’s party.

And, then the plot changes, quite unexpectedly and dramatically challenging and satisfying. It means a shift of attention from Alia’s father to her mother, on unmasking, so to speak, revelation of secrets and lies as well as an admirable history of feminism in Delhi in the past decades.

So, not exactly comic. Rather, a delving beyond the appearances, and unmasking of the hypocrisies that the somewhat closed community are determined to preserve. But, unmasking, removing the mask, seeing the real face and the humanity becomes liberating. As it does for Sheila. As it does for Alia.

1. The title? Expectations? Crazy Rich Indians variation? The shop and market? Not a foodie film – but glimpses of food at the parties?
2. The opening in California, universities, campus, social concerns? The transition to New Jersey, the neighbourhood, affluent, homes and mansions, streets, the store and market? The musical score and atmosphere?
3. The Indian community in the United States, migration from India, holding on to traditions, costumes and decor, food and celebrations, keeping up reputations and appearances? The next generation, born in the US, very American, respect to the traditions but more relaxed in American styles?
4. Alia and her story, studying in California, friends, social concerns, return home for the summer, her attitude towards the neighbourhood, critical of its pretensions, yet her affluence, money, no worries, the lavish home, the pool? Her age, admiration for her father, wariness of her mother and her snobbery? The other children and relating with them? Her friends, confidantes, Rahul and expectations?
5. The adult generation, manners, appearances, affluence, professions, homes, entertaining, women and the outings and gossip, professional men in golf?
6. The contrast with the market and the store, supermarket atmosphere, the family service, Alia’s visit, seeing Varun, the instant attraction, mutual? Her inviting the family to the party? Their arrival, bringing food, but on the outer, the snobbery of the women who shopped there but not wanting to mix socially?
7. The surprise of the two women meeting, Sheila, unwilling to acknowledge Bhairavi, recognition, snubbing? Alia and her reaction? With Varun and Rahul, going upstairs, her father and Rahul’s mother? Her shock?
8. The shift in plot development, audience disapproval of the father, his behaviour, over the decades, the family and secrets and lies? Sheila, Alia finding the photo, the protesting feminist group, going to the store, explanations by Bhairavi, Alia and her surprise? Putting the photo on the notice board? Her mother’s reaction? The father seeing the photo and putting it in the bin?
9. The continued parties, the socialising, Sheila going with a group of women, their chatter, gossip about her, Alia overhearing them at the party? Alia and her disgust and leaving the party? Going to Varun?
10. The clash with Varun, his talking about her money and comfort, her having to face truth about herself? Varun upset, the gossiping sisters, after being criticised by Alia in the street, the photos of Alia and creating mischief? Viral and believing them, breaking with Alia?
11. Sheila, her change of heart, discussions with Alia, the flashbacks to the past, the oppressed women, young, their group, feminism, shaving their heads, protest, the police, the woman in difficulties, Sheila helping, sent to prison, released to her family, their shame, the arranged marriage and sending her to the US? The farewell look to Bhairavi, her husband, the ceremony, the plane to New Jersey?
12. The challenge to Sheila, going with Alia to visit Bhairavi, Varun hearing?
13. The discussion about the anniversary, Sheila challenging her husband, his dismay, his reputation, the expectations of the faithful wife and mother? His many affairs, defying Sheila and going to golf?
14. The party, Sheila’s decision, confronting her husband, the expose of the secrets and lies, all-around community, double standards, pretence? The arrival of Alia, her head shaved? Sheila ousting her husband?
15. Alia, reconciliation with Varun, their meeting up in UCLA? Sheila taking her daughter to the airport, her husband saying home and minding the children?
16. Alia and packing and finding the framed picture of the protesting women that her mother put in her luggage?
17. A portrait of the Indian community, values, hypocrisies, exposure?