Movie Review: ‘Curry Scent’ – Marriage, Tradition and Fortunes.

The concept of pre-arranged marriages has been around for centuries and can be found across all cultures and societies. Yet, there is something particularly fascinating about how the Indian culture approaches this institution, blending ritual, familial obligation, and individual choice. This age-old tradition forms the premise of ‘Curry Scent‘, a romantic comedy written by Nisha Sabharwal and directed by Christa Boarini. The film explores whether marriage is predestined and whether it can truly change the fate of a person and or their family.

At the centre of the story is Geetha (played by Indigo Sabharwal), a young woman who has recently immigrated to the United States with her family. Coming from a middle-income background, Geetha and her family of eight cram themselves into a modest one-bedroom apartment. Their American dream feels painfully out of reach as they juggle financial struggles, the lack of privacy, and the constant fear of eviction due to their landlady’s disdain for the “curry scent” from their cooking.

Desperate to turn their fortunes around, Geetha’s parents decide she should pursue a modern-day arranged marriage. Hoping that she can marry a wealthy Indian man who could lift the family out of poverty. As the search for a husband starts, she meets Krishna (played Anirudh Keshamouni), a charming bachelor from a prosperous family who seems like the ideal candidate. But after Krishna invites them all to a family event, they realize that this isn’t a marriage that would happen. Krishna’s parents already have arranged a wife for him and are not considering allowing their firstborn son to marry into a family that they believe doesn’t come close to theirs in terms of financial status despite their shared cultural heritage.

Disheartened, Geetha unexpectedly connects with Krishna’s younger brother, Lush (played by Michael MacLeod). Unlike his family, Lush is smitten by Geetha’s authenticity and doesn’t feel bound by traditional expectations, as he’s not the firstborn son. Lush decides to defy his family’s expectations and take a chance on love with Geetha, setting the stage for a relationship that challenges class, tradition, and familial obligation.

Despite its simple premise, ‘Curry Scent‘ ambitiously navigates issues of class, culture, and tradition. Geetha’s family represents the lower class, clinging to the hope of a better life. Their struggles are palpable and relatable for many. The cramped apartment, the shared bathroom, and the looming fear of eviction highlight their plight. On the other hand, Krishna and Lush’s family show affluence, with luxurious homes and expensive cars serving as symbols of their status. The stark contrast is visually evident, even on the film’s modest budget, which does a commendable job of portraying these socioeconomic divides.

While Geetha’s family clings to the hope that an arranged marriage can solve their problems, Krishna’s family seems to have abandoned some of their traditional values in favour of maintaining their social standing. This nuanced portrayal of classism, particularly the disdain Krishna’s family shows towards Geetha’s, is a sobering reminder of how material wealth can affect our respect for culture.

Some aspects of the narrative however are problematic. I found the idea of Geetha‘s family thinking that they could escape their financial situation by marrying her into a rich family very distasteful. While this is a reality for many, it’s uncomfortable to watch a young woman’s agency reduced to a financial strategy.

The performances in ‘Curry Scent‘ are serviceable, if not extraordinary. Indigo Sabharwal as Geetha delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the weight of her family’s expectations. Michael MacLeod’s portrayal of Lush brings a refreshing optimism to the story. The other cast though less polished, manages to convey the emotional stakes decently for an indie project. As a rom-com, it doesn’t try so much to be funny as it doesn’t even need to be but the humour is mild and just okay for the film.

‘Curry Scent‘ succeeds in its depiction of immigrant struggles and the enduring hope for a better future. However, the film’s attempt to balance traditional values with modern romantic ideals doesn’t fully land. The resolution is a somewhat miraculous turn of events that feels too convenient, undermining the complexity of the issues it seeks to address.

And even as it ends, these questions keep ringing in my head. Can marrying into the right family truly change one’s fortunes? ‘Curry Scent‘ doesn’t offer a definitive answer but instead leaves viewers pondering the intricate interplay of love, tradition, and class.

I will score this film 6/10. For a low-budget indie, ‘Curry Scent‘ doesn’t try to be more than it is. It’s a decent romantic comedy that doesn’t force laughs or overreach. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre or delve deeply enough into its thematic undercurrents, it’s an enjoyable watch with moments of charm and authenticity.