Leela

So far beyond Bollywood, I think it's set in the suburbs of L.A.

Kapadia's intelligent, nuanced performance is the film's highlight, balanced by Khanna's portrayal of Nashaad, who could easily be a patronizing, chauvinist caricature.

Veers between the light naturalism of American television and the pulsing melodrama of Bollywood entertainment.

Most of the dialogue is in English, almost all of the story takes place in the U.S., and there is none of the kitschy fun that gives Bollywood flicks their charm.

The film is not without humor or conflict, but it is a complex coming-of-age story that places a premium on independence and attacks sexual hypocrisy.

Succeeds only as a cultural exchange of cinematic cliches.