Chutney Popcorn—Simply A Delight!

Nisha Ganatra's new film, "Chutney Popcorn," is a delightful mix of culture clashes, sibling rivalry, and good, old-fashioned dyke drama played out in modern day New York. Multi-talented Ganatra (writer, producer and director) stars as "Reena," very much the black sheep of the family, not only due to her vocation (she's a photographer), but also because of her lesbianism. Her newlywed sibling, Sarita, played by Sakina Jeffrey), finds out she is infertile and that's when the games begin!

Entangled in the fertility games is Reena's commitment-phobic girlfriend, Lisa ("Law and Order's" Jill Hennessy), Sarita's husband, Mitch, and the girls' mother, an ever-meddlesome, traditional Indian woman. Momma is horrified when Reena decides to step up to the plate and offer herself as a surrogate for Mitch's sperm, Lisa feels the commitment rope tightening around her throat at the announcement, and Sarita begins to have second doubts about the baby.

The ensuing tale is a delight as Reena and Lisa begin the "turkey baster" ritual, and the cast of characters decide to share their infinite wisdom regarding a dyke bringing a child into the world. Scene after scene is filled with belly laughs, especially after one poignant "turkey baster" moment between Reena and Lisa.

Of course, any lesbian movie worth its salt must have a few moments of dyke drama, and "Chutney Popcorn" doesn't disappoint. It's only a matter of time before Sarita really has a problem with her dyke sister giving birth to her husband's child, and Lisa feels the burden of a baby is entirely too much for her. Add in pressure from Momma to "get a husband," backlash from her politically-correct dyke friends and her own journey of self-awareness as the baby grows, and you have a melting pot of emotion, laughter and tears.

"Chutney Popcorn" not only brings a good laugh, but it also opens our eyes to dilemmas that lesbians face everyday in regards to vocation choices, relationship decisions, and familial dynamics. You'll leave the film with a smile on your face, and thoughts to ponder. Ganatra has hit a home run with this one.

Intelligent Mixture of Comedy, Everyday Issues

"Chutney Popcorn," a feature at the Sundance's "OutLoud" June film fest, is an intelligent mixture of comedy woven into some more serious issues affecting today's lesbians. The movie manages to create a story around a multitude of complications and "touchy" topics that are faced by lesbians everyday.

The lead role, Reena, (played by Ganatra, who also co-wrote the film) is a young Indian woman striving to make her mark in the art world as a photographer. Her sister, recently married, is trying to conceive but discovers that she is infertile, so Reena volunteers to be her surrogate. Her lover, played by Jill Hennessy, star of TV's Crossing Jordan, is not especially thrilled by the idea.

"Chutney Popcorn" is a melting pot of issues and personalities that somehow make this movie work and keep your attention from beginning to end. The actors and actresses, many I had never heard of, were excellent in making the pieces of this puzzle gel. The humor kept me laughing all the way through the movie and although this is obviously not a high-dollar film, there is something very charming and captivating about it. Ganatra captured some beautiful shots in this movie that you should definitely look out for, which really add to the artistry of this movie. This is one of those movies that you don't want to end, one in which you identify with problems the characters face, be it a bi-racial relationship, parents that are living in denial, or pregnancy and all the angst that can bring.

I guess you have figured out by now that I thoroughly enjoyed "Popcorn Chutney" and would highly recommend a viewing. You will laugh, be moved by the more serious moments, and hopefully enjoy this movie as much as I did. Compliments to Nisha Ganatra on a job well done.