Review of Basmati Blues (2017) by Chris S — 11 Feb 2018

This film reminded me of the great backstage musicals of the 1930s in the way it rests on the superb and understated comedic ensemble acting of the Indian cast. The script is splendidly playful, with scads of throw away gems of the kind usually found in a cult film like Buckaroo Banzai.

(Another "BB" film). Utkarsh Ambudkar is endlessly expressive, and his and Larson's commitment to the material comprise the key to enjoying this weird and lovely film. Meet them where they are and don't worry so much about what a Hollywood-Bollywood musical about the encroachment of agribusiness on a traditional culture under siege from rapacious global capital enabled by cheery American optimism is "supposed" to be like.