When there is a lack of diverse representation in mainstream media like movies and TV shows, it leads to “ethnic erasure” and, asCanadian writer Fiona Khanstates, it starts to “imagine worlds without the very existence of South Asian people.” If mainstream media can be more diverse by including South Asian leads and characters who are not stereotyped, people will be able toappreciate different culturesand understand one another better. That is why South Asian representation in movies is crucial.
Rather than including side characters with stereotyped accents, it is important for South Asians to be represented as per their true identities.When romantic comedies include such leadswho are true representations of South Asian people, the movies incorporate a more natural and realistic reflection of society and will, asthe polling company Nielsen reports, “accurately illustrate the rich lives of the diverse audience—making them feel seen.” Yet again, expecting a complete end to the stereotyping of South Asians is difficult, but some films make it possible. These are some of the best rom-com movies that have attempted to reduce these stereotypes by including South Asians as their leads.
9The Broken Hearts Gallery
With Geraldine Viswanathan taking the role of Lucy Gulliver, a unique individual who has a big heart and collects memories through small souvenirs,The Broken Hearts Galleryopens the door for rom-com representation.Roxane Hadadi callsViswanathan’s portrayal of Lucy “vivacious and lovable,” and this specific movie creates the remarkable South Asian protagonist by stepping away from the stereotypes attached to South Asian women.The Broken Hearts Galleryfocuses on heart break, friendship, and the possibility of new love, and helps introduce the world to a fun, exciting new actor in the process.
8The Lovebirds
The Lovebirdsis the result of two phenomenal comedic duos gelling together perfectly. With Kumail Nanjiana playing Jibran and Issa Rae taking the role of Leilani Brooks, this film brings forth a “bizarre, spoofy twist” of Stanley Kubrick’sstrange romanceEyes Wide Shut. Given that Rae and Nanjiana have comedy running in their veins,The Lovebirdsis a movie that can turn any bad day into one filled with good laughter. Additionally, the crime-and-mystery-infused plot is a bonus for anyone who loves a good story.
Related:Here’s How Funny Boy Has Opened Doors For South Asian Cinema
7India Sweets and Spices
This film by Geeta Malik is a definite eye-opener when it comes tothe caste system that is still very much prevalent in India. Even though the story takes place in America, Malik has captured the way in which thecaste system can travel across countriesdue to these ideologies being engraved in certain people. Fortunately, Malik has incorporated comic relief through the humorous Auntie-gossip sessions and the protagonist, Alia “Ali” Kapur (played by Sophia Ali) delightful mockery of the Aunties' and her mother’s ridiculous comments.India Sweets and Spices, as suggested by the title, is a combination of sweet romance and spicy gossips and interventions, and is a great look at the challenges Indian women face.
6Bride and Prejudice
If Jane Austen’s classicPride and Prejudicewere to take a desi-inspired form, then Gurinder Chadha’s 2004 filmBride and Prejudicewould be the result. Similar to Austen, Chadha’s version of the former’s novel deals withthe culture they are familiar with. With Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Miss World 1994, as Lalita Bakshi (a variation on the Elizabeth Bennet character), and the New Zealand actor Martin Henderson taking over the role of William Darcy, this film is a fusion of different cultures. The movie explodes with gorgeous colors as a nod towards the rich and vibrant Indian culture, and the plot is definitely an interesting and subversive takeover of Austen’s novel.
5Yesterday
What if you were suddenly taken to an alternate reality where the Beatles was never formed, and only you know about their existence?Danny Boyle’sYesterdayanswers this question with groovy good charm. Himesh Patel, a Gujarati-speaking Brit, plays Jack Malik, a character who plagiarizes songs in a world where they technically didn’t exist. From sudden stardom based on lies, to losing love because of immense fame,Yesterdaytakes an interesting form of an alternate reality and inserts
4Blinded By The Light
Yet another fascinating film by Gurinder Chandh, and another which utilizes the music of a cultural icon,Blinded by the Lighttakes place duringThatcherismand follows the story of a Pakistani immigrant family. The movie explores the idea of migration and what it is like to feel like and be treated as an outsider, using classic tunes from Bruce Springsteen to tell its story. By incorporating Chandh’s own experience, this film reveals the harsh reality when it comes to the treatment of migrants.Roy Trakin of Variety statesthatBlinded by the Light"serves as a poignant parallel to the xenophobia of today." Whilst expounding on such important topics, this film also brings in comedy and romance in cheerful ways, which makes it an exceptionally remarkable movie.
Related:Blinded By the Light Review: The Feel-Good Movie of the Summer
Karan Soni and Geraldine Viswanathan take over the leading roles of the bickering Ravi and Rita, respectively, in this romantic COVID comedy by Roshan Sethi. What makes7 Daysan exceptional piece is the way in which nods toward the typical South Asian parents' attitudes towards marriage, which consists of pre-arranged dates or ‘proposals,’ and how such a ‘proposal’ during COVID-19 thrust two unlikely people into a forced quarantine.7 Daysis undoubtedly a perfectly simple yet extraordinary, sentimental piece with incredible South Asian leads.
2Outsourced
As writer Denise Dubie points out,Outsourcedtouches on the topic of the US outsourcing jobs to India, which is a global issue, and incorporates the comedy that arises when different cultures clash.Outsourced, though comical, addresses important issues, showing how “individuals in every nation are nearly powerless before the global economy”. Thus, even though it’s light-hearted and a perfect movie for a Friday night,Outsourcedalso makes the viewer think more deeply about global powers and their influence in the economy of the world and the lives it affects. It was also made into ashort-lived but enjoyable TV show on NBC.
1Bend It Like Beckham
Devan Coggan of Entertainment Weeklycalls it “the ultimate underdog story about an underdog story” for a reason; this is one film which helped the slow initiation of South Asian representation into the mainstream. With her mother’s disapproval, Jess (played by Parminder Nagra) is forced to suppressher desire for footballinBend it like Beckham,a movie that illustrates the indifference migrants often face. It also focuses on the way in which South Asian norms disapprove of young girls playing sports due to the ‘masculine’ nature of the physical activity. However, the ending notes here leave a powerful message to every young girl, especially those of South Asian descent, that hard work and determination will always create a path for you. Plus, the romance is funny, cute, and adorable.
