You can’t help but be charmed by A Nice Indian Boy.

In A Nice Indian Boy, we are introduced to Naveen (Karan Soni), a doctor who seems to have given up on finding love. However, when he meets Jay (Jonathan Groff), his world is upended. Though, as the two fall deeply in love, Naveen fears introducing his new boyfriend to his traditional Indian family, fearing that he will put everyone on edge. But their feelings are undeniable and Naveen must face uncomfortable truths about his own beliefs about the power of love and marriage.

Directed by Roshan Sethi (and based on a play of the same name), there is simply something joyful about A Nice Indian Boy. Despite dealing with some complex issues, Sethi keeps the tone light. As such, Indian Boyhas the feel of many classic romcoms. Two people meet and find an instant connection. Emotional obstacles keep one of them from truly committing. 

Then, ultimately, love finds a way.

The tropes that have built the genre are on full display here but that’s far from a criticism. The true joy of the romcom stems from its execution and the chemistry between its leads. And Nice Indian Boy has the right mix of both.

Without question, the best ingredient to this film is the tension between Soni and Groff. Together, the two are an absolutely dynamite couple. Despite their differences, there’s an undeniable connection between them. As Naveen, Soni brings an innocent awkwardness that makes his character endearing, even in moments when you disagree with his decisions. Meanwhile, Groff carries himself with a fully-formed confidence yet never strays into arrogance. He knows who he is and he is willing to live to his fullest potential. 

And, when paired onscreen, they absolutely sparkle. 

Similarly, even though the film grapples with some serious issues such as homophobia, racial discrimination and intergenerational conflict, the thrust of Sethi’s screenplay remains the love story. As Naveen and Jay live within a ‘will they/won’t they’ relationship, we somehow believe that these other issues will find solutions if love triumphs over all. (And, spoiler alert, they frequently do.) 

Yet, as they try to make love work, all of these characters are battling fear in one way or another. This tension is particularly evident in Naveen who seems afraid of expressing himself outwardly, both with Jay but and his parents. To him, outward expressions of love carry the weight of shame. As a result, opportunities to share his story with others cause immense anxiety within him, whether it’s simply dancing at parties or sharing about his relationships with his family. (“My parents know that I’m gay. But they’ve never seen me be gay in front of them,” he tells the viewer.)

Yet Naveen is only one example. Here, most characters are trying to work out their issues with fear as they grow in today’s world. Arundhathi struggles with the shame of a broken marriage. Naveen’s parents are afraid to offend their son and risk losing him. 

But, in doing so, Nice Indian Boy actually undercuts a number of stereotypes that we often see in this sort of storytelling. Although they struggle to understand Naveen’s sexuality, his parents are genuinely trying to move past their biases. (Scenes where they insist on turning on OutTV simply because it’s what they think Naveen and Jay will want to watch are particularly funny.) For Naveen’s family, tradition rules but so too are they willing to be changed by modern sensibilities. Out of love for their children, biases based on fear are pushed against by the characters from the outset as they try to navigate their relationships in healthier ways.

That doesn’t mean that it’s easy for anyone. But, for the sake of love, everyone is willing to try.

It’s this genuine spirit that makes A Nice Indian Boy so heartwarming. In Indian Boy, Sethi has woven a story that feels authentic and personal for everyone involved. As such, the film is earnest, entertaining and endlessly endearing. Without question, the wedding to this Nice Indian Boy is one worth attending.

A Nice Indian Boy is available in theatres on Friday, April 4th, 2025.