Masala

Starring:Raju Ahsan, Jennifer Armstrong, Sachin Bannerjea, Madhuri Bhatia, Wayne Bowman, Don Callaghan, Kamran Durrani, Tova Gallimore, Ran Ghoman, Saeed Jaffrey, Sakina Jaffrey, Heri Johal, Sakuntala Krishna, Avi Kukarni, Ishwarial M. Moolijee, Paul Persofsky, Les Porter, Ronica Sajnani, Zohra Sehgal
Studio: Fox Lorber
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Mira Nair, the Indian director, scored an international art-house hit with her feature debut, Salaam Bombay!, a tale of life in the streets of seething urban India. Her next film was a surprising turnabout: Mississippi Masala is a cultural study and a love story set in the rural American south. The love story comes courtesy of Denzel Washington, as a rug cleaner, and Sarita Choudhury (from Nair's Kama Sutra), as the daughter of Indian immigrants running a small-time motel; both give fresh, charming performances. But Nair is equally interested in capturing the feelings of an exile's life, and Roshan Seth, the fine actor who played Nehru in Gandhi, superbly catches the hope and sorrow of dislocation. Although the issues are serious, Nair maintains a breezy, naturalistic approach, and the various ingredients of this masala blend into a rich, flavorful stew. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

The best American movie on Interracial Romance period.......2007-02-23

After writing my review on 'Something New, people are going to assume I hate IR unions when that simply is not the case, I like a great film that explores more than just the surface on IR unions. The producers, female actors, and director of "Something New" were so arrogant promting the movie like their movie was going to change the paradigm of IR amongst Black Women. Well 15 years ago I saw and happen to own the best American and most realistic movie on the subject of mixed relationships that explores the race, class, regional, multicultural issues of romance it is "Mississippi Masala".

Mira Nair (who has directed other classics) shot this work of art in 1992 starring Denzel Washington, Joe Senca, Charles S. Dutton, Mohan Agashe, and Sarita Choudhury in this multi- layered film that explores all those themes in a realistic setting. The film is stunning in the price each charcter plays in their pursuit of some sort of redemption in their lives. Race in the south is at the forefront, but so is class, ethnic and racial politics and ultimately love in a film that at least explores other types of mixed relationships that I think is the key to finding at least racial co-existence in this country. Nair has created a work of art that will open your heart long after the film ends.

This is the film that the makers of 'Something New' could not have made because of their arrogance.

mississippi masala.......2006-11-14

Unfortunately, I was sent a standard American copy of the movie which, of course, doesn't function on a european system, despite my adress beeing in Switzerland. So I was kind of disapointed to have a)lost the money b)not been able to watch the movie. One is wrong to assume that every european household is having an american compatible DVD player.

Decent, but not Nair's best work.......2006-10-25

Why are the two lead characters in love? It's not really clear, which is a problem since their relationship is the impetus that drives most of the plot developments in the film. Once the events get going, the plot provides an interesting platform for exploring different issues of race and family, but I feel like there's something a bit hollow in the emotional connection that's supposed to underlie the whole story. I almost felt more moved by some of the background relationships of the secondary characters (e.g the father and the estranged childhood friend he left behind in Uganda) than by that of the main characters.

That said, the film is not awful, and does some things well. It has a few genuinely funny moments, but I felt like the promise of the premise and plot was ultimately stronger than the execution in dialogue and character development. See this movie if you've already seen Nair's other movies and are looking to complete your knowledge of her opus, or have a particular interest in this genre of film, but don't put it on your top ten list on the basis of its independent merits. It's entertaining, but not one for the ages.

A couple of shades can make a difference.......2006-07-05

This is an amazing movie and one I'm happy to have in my collection. The story is definitely not face-paced but has fine detail throughout. You get a feel for the diverse characters that inhabit this story involving: two continents, four cultures and the subtlety of various shades of skin tones. The love story is good but is enhanced by the subplot involving an East Indian's family exodus from their home in Africa. I guess you'd call it a drama? Hey, I don't know but there are multiple opportunities to share the characters' moments of irony, comedy and yes, love.

The real lesson here is- aren't we all just a couple of shades away from being labeled, defined or characterized by someone else's reality? You might be surprised what label has been attached to you!

Honest Film.......2005-12-03

I had seen this film a number of times either on T.V. or by me popping it in on my DVD player. Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury are a pleasure to watch in this engaging story about a love affair between a Africa American male and an Indian woman, whom both has never been to there native land, and how their romance causes strife in a small Southern town. The movie handles the reactions by both families to the interracial union of Mina and Demetrius. Against all this, a subplot in the story revolves around the loss of a homeland and friendship between Choudhury's proud Ugandan national father and the Black Ugandan friend he left behind during Idi Amin's reign of terror.
There are very few movies that can capture the emotions that go along with such a sensitive and controversial matter. Most importantly the opinions, thoughts, and traditions, both negative and positive, of both the Indian and Black communities are fairly communicated through the movie. A must see film and the only one I'm aware of that explores the relationship between African Americans and ethnic Indians.

Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 1: Funky Style

Average customer rating:

Masala Bhangra Workout
Not what I expected, but good.
cultural
Definately a good work out BUT....
Unexpected Fun

Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 1: Funky Style
Starring: Sarina Jain
Manufacturer: Tapeworm Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 2: Hip Hop Style
Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 3 ...Bollywood Style
Honey Kalaria's Bollywood Workout
The Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 4: Total Body
World Dance Workout: Bellydance, Bollywood, Salsa, Samba, Flamenco

ASIN: B0001HAEDA
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Product Description

Overview: The first Indian-dance-inspired fitness video, the MASALA BHANGRA WORKOUTTM VOLUME I, is a 36-minute high-energy workout utilizing moves from traditional Indian folk dances. The video seeks to invigorate both men and women with ethnic dance steps and music that have already gained popularity in "Basement Bhangra" dance clubs around the world. All the moves are named and easy to follow. Instructor: Fitness instructor and choreographer, Sarina Jain, founder of Masala Dance and Fitness, Inc., combined her knowledge of her parents' native culture with her 10 years' experience in the fitness industry to create the video. At age 27, she is in hot demand to choreograph dance performances and to share her knowledge with fitness professionals nationwide. She is becoming one of the fitness industrys leading instructor, choreographer and creator. Music: Music producer Hetal Gandhi of Kumba Entertainment engineered an original soundtrack for the MASALA BHANGRA WORKOUTTM by mixing samples of a live dhol player with flutes, tablas, modern drum sounds, and synthesized choral vocals to create a flavorful and irresistible vibe unlike any other fitness DVD.

Customer Reviews:

Masala Bhangra Workout.......2007-03-12

This woman actually makes exercise fun. The music is lively and you really do work up a sweat. I'll be looking for more of her DVDs

Not what I expected, but good........2006-12-08

I should have paid more attention to previous reviews. I guess I was expecting the video to be more like the one of Sarina Jain's on TV. The TV show video breaks down the moves, where this video does not. It still is fun and does gives you good exercise, it will just take me time to learn the moves.

cultural.......2006-10-07

i just wanted to say this is a great workout. i love the eastern dance styles. i have just written a long review of honey's bollywood workout,and people were saying the same things, too fast etc...but indian dance is taught by imitation, and is very expressive facially and bodily(especially the classical dances) and open to improv. bollywood and bhangra are an extension of classical. most don't realize eastern dance is learned and practiced in a vigorous manner imitating, learning, and memorizing from the beginning. the teachers of the classical and indian dances do not like to break up the steps and movement or slow them unless they are so, because you lose the inspiration and the feeling of whatever you may be portraying. so have fun with this, it's awesome and leaves room for your own interpretation of things as mentioned. and it really wears you out. plus everyone looks great dancing and celebrating the movement and abilities of the body no matter the dance form! but i find eastern to be the most passionate, feminine, beautiful, and divine. have fun.

Definately a good work out BUT...........2006-08-10

There were a few things I didn't like about this workout. My first complaint is that the instructor doesn't really break down the moves for you. It is very fast paced and she doesn't take the time to demonstrate the dances. Most of the moves you can figure out after trying it a couple of times but there are some that I am still having trouble with. If you're the type of person that likes to perfect each move then I wouldn't recommend this workout. You really have to do your own style (the instructor even says that in the beginning). My next complaint is the music. I was expecting something fun and different but the whole 30 minutes you dance to the same drum beat. The beat was fun, but after 15 minutes it gets kind of old.
This was a good workout though! You will work up a serious sweat and feel like you've done a really great workout afterwards. Some of the moves are difficult but overall I think they are alot fun and they are different from a regular exercise routine. It is definately fast paced but she does give you time to catch your breath in between dances (a big plus). If you want a challenge try this workout!

Unexpected Fun.......2006-08-09

As a rank beginner to Bhangra and not being particularly adept at dance this was a challenge. Definitely fun and will get you moving and count as a workout. If you love the music as I do it is worth it for the joy of listening and dancing as you try to learn. I found it invigorating and enjoyed trying something so different from the usual exercise routines. If you are looking for a routine to nail down and follow flawlessly this is not for the inexperienced!

Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 3 ...Bollywood Style

Average customer rating:

High energy, calorie burning, fitness fun.
Too much, not enough.
Very Good
Filmi FUN! Anyone can do this workout and lose weight!
Disappointed

Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 3 ...Bollywood Style
Starring: Sarina Jain
Manufacturer: Tapeworm Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 2: Hip Hop Style
Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 1: Funky Style
The Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 4: Total Body
Honey Kalaria's Bollywood Workout
World Dance Workout: Bellydance, Bollywood, Salsa, Samba, Flamenco

ASIN: B0001I1J88
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Product Description

Overview: The second Indian-dance-inspired fitness video, the Masala Bhangra WorkoutTM Volume III Bollywood style, is a 55-minute high-energy workout utilizing moves from traditional Indian folk dances mixed with Hindi Filmy moves. The workout seeks to invigorate both men and women with ethnic dance steps and music that have already gained popularity in "Basement Bhangra" dance clubs around the world and in recent Hollywood movies. Even Heather Graham and Marisa Tomei are sporting Bhangra/Hindi film moves in the hit Hollywood film, The Guru. The Masala Bhangra WorkoutTM has gained popularity worldwide. With a live dhol player playing live music, all the steps are named, broken down and easy to follow. Instructor: Fitness instructor and choreographer, Sarina Jain, founder of Masala Dance and Fitness, Inc., combined her knowledge of her parents native culture with her 14 years experience in the fitness industry to create the Masala Bhangra WorkoutTM. At age 27, she is in hot demand to choreograph dance performances and to share her knowledge with fitness professionals nationwide. She has become one of the fitness industrys leading instructor, choreographer and creator. She is the first South Asian fitness celebrity, and has been recognized as the "Indian Jane Fonda." Music: Music producer Dave Sharma engineered an original soundtrack for the Masala Bhangra WorkoutTM Volume III by mixing samples of a live dhol player with flutes, tablas, chimtas and synthesized choral vocals to create a flavorful and irresistible vibe unlike any other fitness video. Dave Sharma, himself, is playing live music in this third workout.

Customer Reviews:

High energy, calorie burning, fitness fun........2007-05-24

I think some of the people who reviewed this DVD didn't understand what it was. First of all it is not an instructional dance video, it's a fitness video, thus there is going to be a fair amount of repetition and emphasis on fitness aspects rather than dance aspects per se. However, by putting fitness into a framework of dance, it makes it more fun and interesting. Even though it is "bollywood style" it is still bhangra style, which is supposed to be a more high impact, energetic and somewhat macho dance form. Don't expect a bunch of hip swaying filmi moves, this is not what bhangra is. I have done many, many fitness videos at home and this is one I really feel I *want* to do, not feeling as though it's the chore that some other fitness videos become after 3 or 4 times. Jain is a great instuctor and good at cueing. The video is reasonably well-shot giving you enough views to follow the movements. I do however prefer the teaching set-up of the first video in the series; this one does move a bit faster and the movements are slightly more demanding and complicated. I also agree with the reviewer who said this video is more for at least an intermediate level of fitness, and not for those who can't handle high-impact or have joint problems. If you are bored of your workouts, this is the video for you! Sarina Jain rocks!

Too much, not enough........2007-05-13

Do you see the number of people on the cover of the dvd?! All of these people dressed in black are in diamond formation to fit onto the screen at once. The main instructor becomes harder to distinguish from others; the entire thing is visually busy.

Sarina has this husky almost out of breath voice. The movements did not feel sultry or fun... it felt alot more like Taebo with strong energy and power behind movements instead of that pop seduction of the type of bollywood workout I was looking for.

Another technical problem was that the video rarely focused on the feet... many times we would just see Sarina from the midsection and up. Most foot moves started with the camera on the upper half of Sarina (if you were adept, you could figure out the moves either by instruction alone, or by trying to view one of the 3 people whose feet were just visible beside Sarina's shoulders. After about 2 sets of foot movements, the camera would pan down to the feet, only to have a color bar cross over a portion of the screen showing the title of the foot movement.

I'm sure if you could get past all of what I mentioned, you would get a great work out. Who wouldnt when you're jumping around and flailing your arms around with the strength of a bull (in a china shop).

Very Good.......2007-03-27

Pros: Good workout, burns calories along with fun music and
bollywood steps, which you can dance away at the parties.
Cons: Complete Steps are taught first and then reviewed and then you go at
full speed.
I like the Masala Bhangra Workout Vol 1, where 4 steps are taught, reviewed and practiced and then you go to the next steps.

Filmi FUN! Anyone can do this workout and lose weight!.......2007-02-12

If you love Indian films and world music, prepare to drop a dress size! You can burn 500 calories an hour dancing Bhangra and Bollywood style, and it is so joyful and fun you will never realize an hour has passed. I am a non-Desi baby-boomer in not the best shape. When I first saw Sarina Jain on All-Star Workouts on Discovery Health, I DVR'd the show and have been doing it every day from start to finish. I am astonished that I am able to hang in there. I admit I have bought a lot of exercise DVD's that lose me in the first ten minutes of cardio. I just can't keep up, and I get bored and frustrated, and suddenly remember a half dozen other things I gotta do. But the steady beat of the dhol and the easy-to-master moves Sarina Jain presents get your heart rate up and keep it up in the calorie burning range for as long as you care to stay with it. This will make you sweat and keep you sweating, but in a good way.

A neighbor of mine who is 58 has recently gone through the outpatient weight loss program at a famous hospital in Boston. She paid thousands of dollars for this program and more for the weight-loss shakes they recommended. They told her that the secret to weight loss is to reduce your caloric intake to about 1000 calories a day, measure your portions at first to see what you're actually taking in, and to perform some kind of cardiovascular exercise that makes you sweat for about 30 minutes a day. That's it. I've found that goal of 30 minutes of cardio kind of hard to accomplish because I hate taking a shower, doing my hair, putting on makeup and then going to the gym, but now I'm doing 30 minutes of bhangra twice a day at home. For some reason I never get tired of this stuff. And once you know the moves, you can change the music to any Bollywood tunes with a similar beat, like -- just one example -- Bole Chudiyan from K3G! It's not like anything else. This is about celebration and the joy of life, pure and simple. Try it and you'll feel happier, more energetic, and it will lift your spirits, guaranteed. Have fun!!! Dance like Rani!!!

Disappointed.......2007-02-10

I was really looking forward to learning how do learn the Bhangra moves as well as get some exercise. Unfortunately, the camera focused on the instructor's FACE way too much of the time. There is a great deal of foot movements and it was pretty much useless to watch her face when it was the feet that the camera should have been focused on. Although there was some panning back, it was not enough and often too late and I finished the cd quite frustrated and not wanting to watch again. If you know the moves, then this is an okay cd but if you are learning, which is what I thought this cd was, this is not a great one.

Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 2: Hip Hop Style

Average customer rating:

Good...but not good instruction
I have not received the DVD even after 3 weeks of ordering
Beyond a great workout, you learn the dance too!
What a way to sweat!

Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 2: Hip Hop Style
Starring: Sarina Jain
Manufacturer: Tapeworm Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 1: Funky Style
Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 3 ...Bollywood Style
The Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 4: Total Body
Honey Kalaria's Bollywood Workout
World Dance Workout: Bellydance, Bollywood, Salsa, Samba, Flamenco

ASIN: B0001I1J7O
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Product Description

Overview: The second Indian-dance-inspired fitness video, the MASALA BHANGRA WORKOUT TM VOLUME II hip-hop style, is a 45-minute high-energy workout utilizing moves from traditional Indian folk dances. The video seeks to invigorate both men and women with ethnic dance steps and music that have already gained popularity in "Basement Bhangra" dance clubs around the world. The Masala Bhangra Workout has gained popularity worldwide. All the steps are named and broken down to new and fresh choreography. Instructor: Fitness instructor and choreographer, Sarina Jain, founder of Masala Dance and Fitness, Inc., combined her knowledge of her parents' native culture with her 12 years' experience in the fitness industry to create the video. At age 27, she is in hot demand to choreograph dance performances and to share her knowledge with fitness professionals nationwide. She has become one of the fitness industry's leading instructor, choreographer and creator and has created a name for herself. She is the first South Asian fitness celebrity, stamped as the Indian Jane Fonda. Music: Music producer Hetal Gandhi of Kumba Entertainment engineered an original soundtrack for the MASALA BHANGRA WORKOUTTM by mixing samples of a live dhol player with flutes, tablas, modern drum sounds, and synthesized choral vocals to create a flavorful and irresistible vibe. Fashion: India based fashion guru, S Jain & Company designed the original, eye-catching outfits, ethnic tops worn by Ms. Jain and the eight dancers in the MASALA BHANGRA WORKOUT TM VOLUME II. History: The most popular of the community dances from the villages of Punjab, India, Bhangra is a ritual dance celebrating the annual wheat harvest. Male dancers gather in open fields in answer to the beat of the Bhangra drum, the dhol. As the tempo increases, the dancers begin to whirl around, beating their feet, shrugging their shoulders and clapping their hands as they immerse themselves in the spirit of the dance.

Customer Reviews:

Good...but not good instruction.......2007-04-18

As a workout, I found that this video provided plenty of cardio. However, if you're actually looking to learn bhangra, this may be a poor introduction. The instructor doesn't really teach or break down any of the moves so it's pretty hard to learn for those of us who are not familiar with bhangra or aren't naturally endowed with dancing talents. Oh, and one thing that really annoyed me was that the moves didn't move with the music (if it could be called that, since it was the same background track going the entire video).

I have not received the DVD even after 3 weeks of ordering.......2007-03-21

I placed the order on the 27th Feb and it's been 3 weeks and my DVD has not been shipped out yet. When asked, i got to know that this DVD usually takes 3-6 weeks(Whhhhaat!) to ship out. This has delayed the whole shipment(some other DVDs) for me and i'm soooo mad. I don't wanna take it out of my order after already wasting 3 weeks for it.

Beyond a great workout, you learn the dance too!.......2007-01-19

I am a dance instructor and recently had a very basic introduction to Bhangra. It is a dynamic, high energy dance and I wanted to learn more moves and how to put them together. This video, while billed as a workout DVD, also gives you some great bhangra moves so that after a few practices, you're really dancing the Bhangra! Good quality filming and high energy instructor. I really enjoyed it.

What a way to sweat!.......2006-08-25

I borrowed this DVD from a neighbor. I enjoyed it so much I ordered my own copy. I was not familiar with bhangra but found the steps quite similiar to hip hop or african dance moves. It was pretty easy to follow. Although its a bit repetitive, this DVD is a nice change of pace from the traditional cardio workouts. It gets the blood pumping and you'll definitely work up a sweat. I was drenched by the end of the workout. The only complaint I have is that the dance steps aren't truly in sync with the music. Its a little annoying for those of us with rhythm.

The Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 4: Total Body

Average customer rating:

Great Workout
Good Total Body Work Out!
Nothing Bhangra about this work out.

The Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 4: Total Body
Director: Sarina Jain
Manufacturer: Tapeworm Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 3 ...Bollywood Style
Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 1: Funky Style
Masala Bhangra Workout, Vol. 2: Hip Hop Style
Honey Kalaria's Bollywood Workout
Masala Bhangra Workout 5: For Kids

ASIN: B0006OMDT6
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Product Description

Bhangra WorkoutTM Volume 4...Total Body Conditioning Style. Sarina Jain has taken Masala Bhangra to a whole new level by creating a full body strength training workout, that will effectively tone and build muscle strength, and burn fat/calories. This total body conditioning workout utilizes barbells and is suitable for all fitness levels whether you have never lifted a weight or can bench press your fridge. Infectious bhangra dhol beats set the scene, and will surely leave you feeling energized and invigorated! The Masala Bhangra WorkoutTM has been quoted as a lively and modern, vigorous and effective workout. Sarina Jain is the first to introduce Indian dance to the U.S. Fitness Industry at a global level and has been coined as the Indian Jane Fonda for creating such a powerful fitness tool, The Masala Bhangra Workout TM.

Customer Reviews:

Great Workout.......2007-03-28

This is the only Masala Workout DVD that I own and I love the workout. I really do start sweating by the end of the warm up and get a great workout from the strength training. They are also easy to do at home and with kids. My son does not use the weights for the strength training but still enjoys to do all of the moves with me.. I highly recommend this DVD for those that are looking for a solid, basic strength training routine. I feel great each and every time that I use it.

Good Total Body Work Out!.......2006-08-25

I borrowed this DVD from a neighbor. I enjoyed it so much I ordered my own copy. Its a good total body workout that begins with a bhangra dance warm-up then proceeds through resistance training for all the major muscle groups.

Nothing Bhangra about this work out........2005-04-22

I am a huge fan of Sarina Jain's DVD series: I owned them all and ended up selling #1 and #4.I practiced this # 4 DVD once only,outside of the music,there is nothing to differentiate it from any other strength training DVD.I wrongly thought that this DVD would include a 20 mns minimum cardio session with brand new moves.There is a 10 mn/warm up dance routine with the famous " basic " step and steps that you already know from the previous DVDs in the series.By that time, you are sick and tired of the " basic " step since you have been practicing it in the previous DVDs.This is the major drawback of Sarina Jain's DVD series, the tedious repetition of the " basic " step.I would suggest anyone wanting to purchase this DVD to save the money and invest in DVD #2 or #3 and to buy a bhangra music c.d to do their regular strength training routine on.

Average customer rating:

Funny and Sexy

Garam Masala

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Garam Masala
Kuch Na Kaho
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke
Dhoom
Deewane Huye Paagal

Product Features:

1st Disc - Movie
2nd Disc - The Making, The Premier, Snap Shots, 25 Film Songs, & Photo Gallery

ASIN: B000DENV86

Customer Reviews:

Funny and Sexy.......2006-02-22

This movie is a great one to watch with the girls or when u really want to laugh. The eye candy John Abraham (Sam) and Akshay Kumar (Mac) make a lovely hilarious duet that will steal your heart. Sam and Mac are friends who work in this hip magazine "Garam Masala" as photographers, they always get in trouble because of their uncontrollable madness for beautiful women. The fun starts when Mac who is engaged to sweet Anjali(Rimi Sen), is having affairs with 3 gorgeous air-hostesses Sweety (Neetu Chandra), Puja (Nargis) and Deepti (Daisy Bopanna). Dating the girls is Mac's dream come true but it will start all kinds of trouble for him when they all stay in his apartment at the same time. Mac will try his best to manage those affairs and Sam will try to help him but also try to snatch the girls behind his friend's back. A lot of funny scenes and amazing hot songs. I've always thought that John was a hot hunk but now I think he's "Garam Masala".
This DVD also includes some very nice bonus material, an interview with the cast ( is that a love bite on john's right arm?!!), the movie premier and a hilarious interview with John and Akshay where you can really see how great, funny, hot and sexy John is.

Average customer rating:

Very zany, very serious
Fabulous, sharp satire
Pretty awful, actually...
great film!
Leave this one on the shelf

Masala
Starring: Raju Ahsan , Jennifer Armstrong , Sachin Bannerjea , Madhuri Bhatia , and Wayne Bowman
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002V7OD8
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Description

A cutting edge black comedy that takes you into the lives of an eccentric mix of characters that make up a close knit East Indian community.

Customer Reviews:

Very zany, very serious.......2006-12-02

This DVD showed up on the New Releases shelf of my local store, so I thought it was a new movie until I read the previous reviews. Well, I can testify that it certainly hasn't become dated. It's a very stylish spoof of Bollywood on one hand and an insightful tour through the generationally mixed culture of Indians in North America on the other, at least as funny as Bend It Like Beckham, and a good deal more honest. The funniest, and the most unsettling, moment comes when one of the secondary characters, a Sikh, orders the God Krishna to "scram" and the God, looking pitifully crestfallen, does exactly that. (PC Advisory: the movie contains something calculated to offend nearly everyone, as some of the other reviewera humorlessly noted.)

Fabulous, sharp satire.......2004-07-16

I totally disagree with most of the reviewers here. This movie rocked. It's the funniest, sharpest, most misanthropic take on Indian-American culture I've ever seen. It's magical realist, it's got art school pretensions, it's got cheesy effects, but it's a hell of an achievement for a director who did it at age 21. I was in tears of laughter for most of the film. This is a vastly underappreciated nugget in this genre.

Pretty awful, actually..........2004-03-06

This was one of the strangest and most poorly-conceived movies I've seen about Indian people anywhere. First of all, the Indian family was so inauthentic in the way it was composed/casted. The protagonist and his parents (the ones on the plane) looked completely southern Indian, while the rest of the family's culture was portrayed (somewhat strangely and unconvincingly, though) as typically northern Indian, especially the uncle, aunt, grandmother, and daughters. This may not be so apparent to non-Indian viewers, who may not be deeply aware of regional cultural, ethnic and racial differences within the vast Indian subcontinent, but to an Indian like myself the family's inauthenticity comes across very strongly. To provide an American parallel, it is as absurd as, say, showing an American family where half the members speak in a Texan drawl and the other half in a New York accent, or showing one brother as black and one as white! It seems to me that the filmmaker Srinivas Krishna, as a Canadian-born person of Indian ancestry, just does not know Indian culture (and its significant regional variations) well enough in order to make a culturally and sociologically accurate movie about Indian people (even about Indian emigres in Canada!). I don't know about Canadian culture well enough to judge whether or not the portrayal of white Canadians in the film was culturally accurate or not, but the portrayal of the Indian family was certainly quite peculiar...

great film!.......2003-07-12

It's been ten years since I first saw this movie, and some of the imagery and humour has still stayed with me. Having grown up in Toronto and knowing the culture, this may have been one of the factors in understanding a lot of the humour--However, I do think this is a very accessible film, very funny and well worth the time. I think it captured the clash of cultural expectation very well, and it certainly blew apart a lot of stereotypes in both Indian and Canadian cultures. Great movie!

Leave this one on the shelf.......2003-02-25

I really wanted to like this movie, I tried, but alas there is just no redeemable quality to it. Highly disappointing, the plot was contrived. The actor who portrayed Krishna was good looking in a roguish way, as for the rest of the cast extremely forgettable. The entire premise of the movie was just silly, I guess I hope it would delve into the Indian Diaspora and come up with some solid understanding of this group of people who strive for western success while maintaining eastern values. To make light of an orphaned boy with issues of identity is an affront to good taste. If this film's objective was irony, the only irony is it holds the culture up to ridicule, with undertones of anti-religious sentiment. I did not find any humor in this movie; at best it could be considered a dark comedy where there is absolutely no point or reason for its existence and no entertainment value. Instead, watch "American Desi" or "Bollywood Hollywood" these films are more entertaining and a better buy.

Average customer rating:

Being True to Yourself
Apu & Marge, with a Gay Twist

Chicken Tikka Masala
Starring: Chris Bisson , Saeed Jaffrey , Sally Bankes , Peter Ash , and Zohra Sehgal
Director: Harmage Singh Kalirai
Manufacturer: Tla
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Gay & Lesbian | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Adam & Steve (2005)
Third Man Out
Brokeback Mountain (Widescreen Edition)
Dorian Blues
The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green

ASIN: B000EGDBD8
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Description

In the laugh-out-loud tradition of A Touch of Pink and The Wedding Banquet comes Chicken Tikka Masala , a captivating and riotous British family comedy. When Jimi arrives home from medical school, he is surprised to find himself in the middle of his own arranged engagement party. What his family doesnt know however, is that Jimi is gay and his boyfriend is furious. Both heartwarming and hilarious, Chicken Tikka Masala is a wildly romantic comedy of errors with bold Indian flavor.

Customer Reviews:

Being True to Yourself.......2006-08-13

For those expecting the cover art and story outline to indicate another entertaining Bollywood Indian production, beware: no musical dance numbers or songs of production value exist to brighten the mood in this rather tired story of arranged marriages in the British Indian culture - with a few variations thrown in. As written by Roopesh Parekh the script jumps around topics worthy of discussion only to cover them up with routine avoidance tactics. Harmage Singh Kalirai directs like a traffic cop, trying to hold together the disparate subplots to the point of Keystone Cop tactics.

Jimi (Chris Bisson) is a medical school student who is gay and has a lover Jack (Peter Ash) and they live with Jack's obese, alcoholic, loose morals aunt Vanessa (Sally Bankes) and Sally's chubby daughter Hannah (Katy Clayton). Jimi's family is visited by the Patel family from Delhi who bring their beautiful daughter Simran (Jinder Mahal) to England to find a husband. Jimi's parents (Saeed Jaffrey and Jamila Massey) and his grandmother (Zohra Sehgal) decide Simran is the girl for Jimi to marry and arrange an engagement and wedding in the custom of Indian ways - without consulting Jimi. Jimi discovers the plot and is too spineless not to go along with it, a decision which enrages Jack and infuriates Vanessa. Hannah tells a 'little lie' to Simran (that she is Jimi's daughter) and the wedding is off. When Jimi's parents visit Jimi's house they discover the drunken Vanessa, are repulsed by her, but eventually decide that for Jimi's happiness they will go along with the fact that Vanessa has given them a 'granddaughter' and decide to use the marriage preparations as a wedding for Jimi and Vanessa. Jimi convinces the very reluctant Vanessa to go along with the idea and before long Vanessa is dressed in a sari, prepared for a wedding, and Jimi, terrified at what he is doing just to please his parents, includes Jack as his best man. At the wedding the truth comes out and to Jimi's surprise his family adapts to Jimi's true self and the day is saved by simply being truthful.

The cast copes with this silly bit of nonsense rather well and there are some good performances: Chris Bisson and Peter Ash are attractive men and play their roles well, albeit without any indication at all of a loving relationship (the director seems terrified of showing the least suggestion of intimacy between the two men); Sally Bankes provides most of the laughs as Vanessa; the rest of the cast repeat the stereotype roles they've played countless times in Indian movies. This is not a bad film - it has its moments - but it is just too superficial and tired to make us care about any of the characters. Grady Harp, August 06

Apu & Marge, with a Gay Twist.......2006-06-19

The movie "First Daughter" flopped because "Chasing Liberty" already came before it. "Wong Foo" was deported because "Priscilla" came to this country first. Many have already noted that "Chicken Tikka" is nothing but "The Wedding Banquet", "Touch of Pink," and "Bend It Like Beckham" all over again. However, this is just an imitation of "The Simpsons" when Apu tried to avoid marrying Manjula by pretending that Marge was his wife and Bart and Lisa his children. Yes, Simpsons episodes air three years late in Britain, but the director surely must have seen that episode before ripping it off. Either that, or the world is filled with Indian men with white boyfriends not out to their families.
Speaking of boyfriends, Jimi and Jack have no chemistry together. Like "Will & Grace," male homosexuality can be discussed but not seen. This movie is very cowardly in this regard. Like in "The Adventures of Felix," a weak, speechless, feebly willed, gay man of color is the main character. These films do nothing to supply strong gay men of color with characters to whom they can relate. Britain has civil unions now, so technically this film could have ended with Jimi and Jack marrying but it doesn't have the guts to go there.
This film also makes white British and Indians look stupider than they could be. Everyone knows that traditional Indians have arranged marriages. How could the white lover be so shocked and upset that his lover's Indian parents made that arrangement? In the West, women don't get married without their consent, so how would the Indian family set up a wedding without first asking the white wife? Yes, the main Indian character is light-skinned, but there is no way Indians would think she could be half-Indian. This is just like Bart and Lisa never being able to be mistaken as biracial. The white potential wife is horrified by Indian hand makeup, but Madonna appropriated it and most Westerners find it pretty. What was she thinking?
Look everybody, this theme has been beat to the ground already! Let's move on!

Average customer rating:

The Power of a Woman!
SEE THIS FILM!
Spice girls!!

Mirch Masala [Region 2]
Starring: Smita Patil , Ram Gopal Bajaj , Nina Kulkarni , Paresh Rawal , and Deepti Naval
Director: Ketan Mehta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000APA3Q

Customer Reviews:

The Power of a Woman!.......2006-10-10

This 1986 film set in the deserts of India takes place in the 40's and it has elements of music, a lengthy dance number and the occasional beating. I won't say the violence comes across authentic, but regardless, it is visible including violence against women. With the desert isolated landscape, you will also see mounds of red chili peppers everywhere.

It is a small village and the sudebar (tax collector) had the power to collect assessed taxes from villagers and, in his evilness, he sets out to collect more than taxes. He charms the villagers with his phonograph. When his advances are spurned by a beautiful Indian woman, Sonbai, the sudebar is out to capture her. She takes refuge in the Spice chili pepper factory. An old guard is her protector and the men finally force their way into the factory.

The video format with its English subtitles, are often very difficult to read. The titles are white and often up against light background. The music can be grating and so can the sound effects of horses clomping around. .....MzRizz

SEE THIS FILM!.......2004-03-30

I did not want to watch this, but after I did I will never forget it. It starts out slowly, albeit with some beautiful imagery (even on the slightly grainy VHS image). But once this film gets started with its principal event (about 60 minutes in), you won't look up again until its over.

This film tells a simple story but it explores important universal human themes: the nature of civilization, taxation, liberty, honor and dignity, and power (over others). Perhaps you will only get out of this film what you bring in, but even if you only get a little I think it will be worth your time. A wonderful film that keeps you wondering right to the end.

Spice girls!!.......1999-07-30

Pardon the naughty title ... but this is a splendid film shot on the backdrop of Gujrat's colorful chilly farms, a story of fight against injustice, a woman's strong will, and a surprise ending.

Bhaji on the Beach / Mississippi Masala (2 Pack)

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Bhaji on the Beach / Mississippi Masala (2 Pack)
Director: Mira Nair , and Gurinder Chadha
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

Bhaji on the Beach DVD New A group of women of Indian descent take a trip together from their home in Birmingham, England to the beach resort of Blackpool. The women vary in ages from midteens to old, and initially have little in common. But the events of the day lead them to better mutual understanding and solidarity. Additional Details: Sound: 2.0 Stereo Subtitles: English and French Widescreen Aspect Ratio: 1.55:1 Mississippi Masala DVD New Mississippi Masala is a poignant emotional and often humorous look at the human situation. It is a peppery mix of an AfricanAmerican man and an Indian woman whose lives collide, literally, on a rural road in Greenwood, Mississippi. They et a once sleepy Southern town aflame with this story of exile, of home and nostalgia. Addtional Details: Sound: English and French 2.0 Dolby Surround Aspect ratio: Full Screen (1.33:1) Subtitles: English (SDH)

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