Has the world got you down? Tired of an endless blitzkrieg of depressing news stories and apocalyptic scenarios blaring over the internet 24/7?
Then shut down all your streaming devices, hurl them into the nearest body of water (make sure the water’s deep, the new iPhones still work down to 20 feet), and run immediately to the theater to see “Four Samosas,” directed by Ravi Kapoor. It’s guaranteed to lift you out of your 21st Century funk and have you wearing a silly smile by the time the end credits roll.
A Fun Film and a Throwback to Kevin Smith and Wes Anderson
In the Little India section of Los Angeles, Vinny (Venk Potula) spends his days practicing rap lyrics and wandering aimlessly through life. When he discovers his ex-girlfriend Rina (Summer Bishil) is engaged to his nemesis Sanjay (Karan Soni), he plans a heist with three of his friends in attempt to win Rina back.
Director/Writer Ravi Kapoor pulls from a number of influences throughout the film. It’s heavily influenced by Kevin Smith’s “Clerks” and Wes Anderson’s films (lots of wide shots with characters always centered in the frame or entering the frame in comical ways).
There are also a few Jacques Tati-inspired scenes, where background characters provide a hilarious counterpoint to what the main characters are doing on-screen. In one scene, Vinny and his friends rock out, jumping in the air and dancing wildly for a moment. Then the camera pans over to show Vinny’s mom sitting at a sewing machine calmly working right next to them. She’s totally unfazed by them and probably not even aware they’re there.
A Comedic Gem that Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
What I loved most about the film was that it was FUN. That’s a concept that’s been lost on many films these days, whether it’s big-budget extravaganzas or so-called comedies. In the film’s brief 80-minute run time, you get lost in this lovely sun-kissed area of California and the characters. You want to spend more time with them, their silliness, their hopes and dreams, and (at least in the case of two characters), their sweet budding romance. The only downside is that Vinny is the least interesting character in the film. He comes off as man-babyish and petty at times, and his three friends are far more enjoyable to watch.
There’s Zak (Nirvan Patnaik), who dreams of being a Bollywood actor and isn’t afraid to do anything to help Vinny. Anjali (Sharmita Bhattacharya) who works for the Little India newspaper and always comes up with mind-bendingly crazy ideas and scenarios to get stuff done. Finally, Paru (Sonal Shah) is an engineer who’s fiercely competitive and devours snacks like a hyperactive Ms. Pac-Man. Each one of them is given some great moments to shine and they all pretty much overshadow Vinny.
Overall though, the film’s a lovely little comic gem. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and is far better than I ever expected it to be. It’s the perfect antidote for a dreary winter day.
Currently, “Four Samosas” is only playing in select theaters. It will stream on AMC+ after a short theater run.
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