Mangalorean All Set for Release of Hollywood Debut Movie
Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore
Mangalore, Apr 13: Not too long back, we here at Daijiworld, had introduced this promising acting talent of Mangalorean heritage. Yes, we are talking about none other than Rahul Rai, son of Dr Dinker and Shakila Rai from Long Island, New York. Now, fast forward to the present and we are only a few days away from the release of his Hollywood debut movie ‘When Harry Tries To Marry’.
‘When Harry Tries To Marry’ has already created a buzz within the movie circles by winning nominations at the Austin Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival and the London Asian Film Festival.
At the London Asian Film Festival, the movie won in three major categories: ‘Audience Award for Best Film’, ‘Best Crossover Film’ and not to mention, Rahul won the ‘Best New Talent’ award as well. By winning in the above three categories, the movie ended up winning the most awards at the film festival.
It is interesting to note that Rahul was only eighteen at the time of making the film. In the opinion of the film’s director, Nayan Padrai, Rahul is a natural actor and displays maturity beyond his years.
Thanks to the diligent upbringing by his parents, Rahul is very much in touch with his Mangalorean roots. He speaks Tulu fluently and his favourite dishes include ‘Kori Rotti’ and ‘Yetti Ajadhina’. His grandfathers are the late K Narayan Rai (well-known criminal lawyer of Mangalore) and Konnibail Seetharam Shetty.
The movie will have its red carpet premier on the April 20 at the Landmark Sunshine Theaters (143 Houston Street, New York) and is scheduled to be released on the April 22 in select cities across the United States. Sound track for the movie consists of twenty beautiful songs (three of which are in Hindi) and can be downloaded from the ITunes store. The trailer for the movie is also available for viewing on ITunes, YouTube or at the official movie website http://www.whenharrytriestomarry.com/
Watch out for the new star in the making, Rahul Rai.
About the movie (courtesy: rediff.com)
Directed by Nayan Padrai, an Indo American filmmaker, the movie falls in an unusual genre of cinema. It could be aptly termed as an 'anti-romantic comedy' as the protagonist -- Harish Shankar, or Harry (played by Rahul Rai) as he is known -- is not our archetypal American bloke who customarily drops by the trendy hot spots in town with promising blondes for company, pretty much unsure about the nature of the liaison.
Instead, Harry -- whose childhood comprised of hues of grey, with parents constantly at loggerheads -- grew up to have a much besmirched impression of a love marriage. So, with this belief etched staunchly within, he enthusiastically looks for an arranged association with the cultured Indian bride, and in his case -- it is the calm and sober Neeta, who herself is desperate to work it out.
As the film progresses, the director introduces us to a number of amusing characters right from the best buddy Louis -- who innovatively tries talking Harry out of his notions of an arranged marriage by demonstrating a coffee-choosing scheme to the father -- Deb Shankar, who being in an unusual yet tempting business of lingerie designing -- is battling his innermost demons.
Also, there is Theresa, who apart from sharing similar background, hitches with Harry, doubles up to his object of affection further complicating his dreamy marriage ideas, and there is the thoroughly entertaining fashionista mother who shows sophistication over Indian ethics.
What primarily clicks in WHTTM is the intriguing storyline coupled with the wit, alongside strong characterisation and earnest performances by the relatively novel cast. The transformation of Harry, where we see him from being logically enthusiastic for the possibility of his marriage strategies to getting cold feet while in action, is skilfully shown all complimented by the core traditions (including a garba sequence between the would-be spouses).
In the odd-span of 101 minutes, it is fascinating how the maker strongly converts the spectators into a part of the marriage proceedings, and also unknowingly arrests us into the perplexed mind-state of Harish.
As the climax approaches, one is entirely caught unawares as in a hilarious fashion the film closes and later Harry comprehends the many facets and multi-shaded nature of life discovering that two people cannot emotionally connect for all the wrong reasons.
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