Romantic comedy featuring gay Indian-American protagonist challenges conventions while celebrating cultural diversity in theaters nationwide

New York, N.Y. – The romantic comedy “A Nice Indian Boy,” directed by Roshan Sethi and starring Karan Soni and Nikesh Patel, opened nationwide this weekend to enthusiastic audiences and strong critical acclaim.

The film, which follows the story of a young gay Indian American man navigating the complexities of family expectations and cultural identity while falling in love, has quickly become one of the season’s breakout independent releases.

Cultural Authenticity Meets Modern Love Story

“A Nice Indian Boy” centers on Naveen Krishnan (Soni), a second-generation Indian American who surprises his traditional parents by bringing home Jay Shah (Patel), the Indian boyfriend he met at a Hindu temple. While Naveen’s parents have gradually accepted his sexuality, they never imagined he would date someone from their cultural background, creating an unexpected dynamic that drives the film’s narrative.

Producer Nisha Ganatra emphasized the film’s universal appeal during a press junket last week. “While this is specifically a South Asian LGBTQ+ story, the themes of family acceptance, cultural identity, and finding love resonate across all communities,” Ganatra explained. “We’re seeing audiences of all backgrounds connecting with these characters.”

Breaking New Ground in Representation

The film represents a significant milestone in mainstream cinema, joining a growing number of productions featuring South Asian LGBTQ+ characters in leading roles. What distinguishes “A Nice Indian Boy” is its approach to cultural specificity without making the protagonist’s sexuality the primary source of conflict.

“We’ve seen coming-out stories and we’ve seen cultural clash narratives,” director Roshan Sethi noted. “This film acknowledges those elements but moves beyond them to tell a love story that’s joyful, funny, and grounded in the reality of contemporary South Asian American experiences.”

The screenplay, adapted from Madhuri Shekar‘s stage play of the same name, maintains the sharp dialogue and nuanced character development that made the original production a success in theater circles. Shekar consulted throughout the adaptation process to ensure the film retained the play’s emotional core while expanding its visual world.

Box Office Performance Defies Expectations

Opening on 800 screens nationwide, “A Nice Indian Boy” earned $8.2 million in its first weekend, significantly exceeding industry projections for an independent release with a predominantly South Asian cast. Box office analysts attribute this success to effective marketing targeting both LGBTQ+ audiences and South Asian communities, along with strong word-of-mouth following festival screenings.

Distributor Searchlight Pictures has announced plans to expand to additional theaters in the coming weeks based on the strong initial performance. International distribution rights have been secured for markets including the United Kingdom, Australia, and India, where the film will open next month with particular attention to reception in urban centers like Mumbai and Delhi.

Critical Response Highlights Cultural Nuance

Critics have largely praised the film for its warm humor and authentic portrayal of both Indian American family dynamics and gay relationships. The New York Times described it as “a refreshing twist on the romantic comedy formula that finds universal truths in culturally specific experiences,” while Variety highlighted the “chemistry between leads Soni and Patel that elevates familiar tropes into something genuinely moving.”

Some reviewers have noted the significance of showing a gay relationship within a cultural context that is often portrayed as socially conservative in Western media.

“The film challenges simplistic narratives about South Asian attitudes toward
homosexuality while acknowledging real tensions,” wrote a reviewer for IndieWire.

“Most importantly, it does so with humor and heart rather than heavy-handed messaging.”

The film’s success adds to growing evidence that audiences are embracing diverse storytelling when it’s presented with authentic voices and production values that match larger-budget releases. Industry analysts suggest “A Nice Indian Boy” could serve as a model for future productions seeking to tell culturally specific LGBTQ+ stories.

A Nice Indian Boy LGBTQ+ Rom-Com Creates Box Office Buzz (May 7, 2025)

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“A Nice Indian Boy” in theaters now and
sharing your experience with friends and family.
Follow the film’s social media accounts to join
the conversation about representation in cinema.

Have you seen “A Nice Indian Boy”?
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LGBTQ+ representation is in mainstream cinema?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.

#DiversityInFilm #QueerAsianRepresentation

Tags: South Asian cinema, LGBTQ+ movies, romantic comedy, cultural representation,
Karan Soni, Nikesh Patel, Roshan Sethi, Madhuri Shekar, independent film

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