Writer and director Geeta Malik’s first film in eight years is an exploration of her Indian-American background.
Alia Kapur returns from college to spend the summer with her wealthy, middle-class, Indian family. She plunges back into the familiar routine of swimming in the pool, breaking up fights between her younger brother and sister, and hanging out with her friends. The weekends are an endless round of parties and Aunties. And it is these parties which form the structure of the narrative, each section of the film revolving around a particular party, ending with her parents’ anniversary bash.
India Sweets and Spices takes its title from the local Indian grocery store, whose new owners, the Duttas, Alia befriends much to the horror of her parents. When Alia’s mother find out she has invited them to their next party, she is furious. But then when they arrive she looks at Mrs Dutta and sees a ghost from her past. Dismissing her as simply a colleague from her university days in India, Mrs Kapur refuses to say any more. It is only when Alia starts digging around in her mother’s closet that she finds a clue about her mother’s past: that she was not always the submissive, good Indian wife she appears to be.
Malik has crafted a film of charm and humour, along with some attempt at depth. Sophia Ali is very likeable as Alia. Veteran actors Adil Hussain and Manisha Koirala put in fine performances as Ranjit and Sheila Kapur, as does Deepti Gupta as Bhairavi Dutta. The large ensemble cast playing Aunties and friends gives colour and humour to the many party scenes.
As an exploration of culture, class, and compromise, India Sweets and Spices has some important things to say. It treats its subjects compassionately, poking gentle, loving fun, at the Indian diaspora. At one party, Alia is sitting on an ornately carved sofa, right next to a large statue of the god Ganesh: she looks over at one of her friends and says “Do you think Indians live here?” But it seems that in trying to be both meaningful and light-hearted, Malik’s screenplay has fallen into a bit of a no-man’s land. There are moments of clunky writing, and some frankly wooden acting, especially from the younger cast.
Despite these issues, this remains a work of charm, with some moments that make it worthwhile. One still comes away caring deeply about these characters.
And with all the scenes of burgeoning tables of Indian food, one also comes away in desperate need of a palak paneer and some naan!
India Sweets and Spices opens this week.
As sweet as a gulab jamun 3.5 stars
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