Sweet rom-com skilfully captures lockdown love

Starring: Karan Soni, Geraldine Viswanathan Director: Roshan Sethi

THE award-winning independent Hollywood film screened at festivals to great acclaim before getting a limited cinema release in USA and having a UK premiere on streaming site Mubi.

The simple story revolves around two individuals who meet up after being set up on a date by their respective parents to discuss the possibility of having an arranged marriage, just as the Covid-19 pandemic is breaking out.

When lockdown is announced, he is forced through circumstance to self-isolate with this woman he just met and soon finds out she is not the virginal, teetotal homebody he was led to believe. He is inexperienced with women, a vegetarian and attached to his mother. Meanwhile, she is a hard-drinking rebel in the middle of an affair with a married man, a meat eater, and has a strained relationship with her mum. Through their short time together they overcome differences and form a bond, until something unexpected happens.

This sweet American movie with just two lead characters is a hidden gem that is worth finding and one of the most unique romantic comedies released in a very long time. The interesting story is peppered with some great unapologetic jokes and has two well-defined characters, who despite having contrasting personalities compliment each other really well. Karan Soni and Geraldine Viswanathan both deliver outstanding performances in their respective roles.

Director Roshan Sethi, who co-wrote this film with lead star Soni, shows less can definitely be more as he skilfully tells an engaging story.

Fans of Bollywood will see the subtle influence of 1983 classic Woh 7 Din. There are a few other subtle Bollywood references, like a mention of Kal Ho Naa Ho and a hilarious dream sequence.

Overall, this is a sweet romantic comedy that captures the Covid-19 lockdown and shows you can find love unexpectedly.