Levantine Films, the production and financing company known for backing acclaimed films such as “Hidden Figures” and “Beasts of No Nation,” is placing its bet on the indie romantic comedy “A Nice Indian Boy.” The company believes this queer-centric film has the potential to resonate with audiences in theaters, a bold move at a time when many rom-coms find their home on streaming platforms.
The movie, which premiered at SXSW and BFI Film Festival in 2024, began its theatrical run on April 4, 2025, in the United States and Canada. It is based on the play of the same name by Madhuri Shekar and adapted for the screen by Eric Randall. “A Nice Indian Boy” tells the story of Naveen, an Indian doctor, who brings his fiancé Jay, a white artist who was adopted by an Indian couple, home to meet his traditional East Indian family.
Navigating Cultural Acceptance
The central theme of the film explores the complexities of cultural acceptance and familial expectations when Naveen’s traditional family meets his white, orphaned, artist boyfriend. Levantine Films CEO Benjamin Hung noted that the story delves beyond the typical “coming out” narrative, focusing more on the nuances of bridging cultural differences. Hung told Variety that the company is drawn to projects that are “very uplifting and give people hope,” which aligns with the heartwarming nature of “A Nice Indian Boy.”
Synopsis of the Film
The movie opens with the wedding celebration of Naveen’s sister, Arundhathi, to Manish. Amidst the festivities, Naveen feels a longing for a similar commitment but grapples with how his family, who are aware of his sexuality but haven’t seen him in a gay relationship, will react to his fiancé, Jay. Jay, raised in Indian culture by his adoptive parents, seeks a deeper sense of community and belonging with Naveen’s family. The narrative unfolds as Naveen finally brings Jay home, leading to humorous and poignant moments as they navigate cultural expectations and family dynamics while planning their dream Indian wedding.
The Talented Cast
“A Nice Indian Boy” boasts a talented cast, including Karan Soni (known for his role in “Deadpool”) as Naveen and Jonathan Groff (from “Frozen” and “Hamilton”) as Jay. The cast also features Sunita Mani as Arundhathi, Zarna Garg as Naveen’s mother Megha, and Harish Patel as Naveen’s father Archit. Peter S. Kim and Sas Goldberg also appear in supporting roles.
Critical Reception
The film has garnered positive early reviews, with critics praising its humor, the performances of Soni and Groff, and its refreshing representation of the LGBTQIA+ community within an Indian context. As of April 6, 2025, “A Nice Indian Boy” holds a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong positive sentiment.
Levantine Films’ Vision
Levantine Films has a track record of supporting diverse and compelling stories. Their filmography includes critical and commercial successes that often highlight underrepresented communities. By giving “A Nice Indian Boy” a nationwide theatrical release, Levantine demonstrates its confidence in the film’s ability to connect with a broad audience and make a significant impact.
