Spring is usually associated with blossoming flowers and new beginnings, but this year, it also marks the arrival of one of the most heartwarming and hilarious gay rom-coms in recent memory: A Nice Indian Boy. Set to hit theaters on April 4, the film tells the story of Naveen, an Indian American man, and Jay, a white man with Indian adoptive parents, as they navigate the challenges of romance, cultural expectations, and family dynamics. With a talented cast including Karan Soni (Deadpool, Strange World) and Jonathan Groff (Looking, Knock at the Cabin), A Nice Indian Boy is poised to become a standout in LGBTQ+ cinema.
Directed by Roshan Sethi and based on Madhuri Shekar’s play, A Nice Indian Boy is a film that resonates not only with LGBTQ+ audiences but also with anyone familiar with the universal themes of love, family, and the pressure of societal expectations. Soni plays the lead role of Naveen Gavaskar, a man torn between his love for Jay and his traditional Indian family’s desire for him to marry a woman. The film follows the couple as they embark on a whirlwind romance, which leads to Naveen proposing to Jay and bringing him home to meet his family — a moment that, as it often does in romantic comedies, threatens to burst their love bubble.
Harish Patel as Archit Gavaskar, Karan Soni as Naveen Gavaskar, Zarna Garg as Megha Gavaskar, Sunita Mani as Arundhathi Gavaskar in A Nice Indian Boy. Photo: Levantine Films
At its core, A Nice Indian Boy is about the tension that arises when cultures collide. Jay, portrayed by Groff, is a white man who was adopted into an Indian family, and his love story with Naveen confronts the complexities of their differing backgrounds. While Naveen is in love, he is also faced with the pressure of fulfilling familial expectations. The film beautifully captures these nuances, with Soni and Groff delivering endearing performances that reflect the humor, vulnerability, and excitement that come with falling in love — all while dealing with the added weight of cultural differences.
In an exclusive clip shared by Out Magazine, viewers are given a peek into Naveen’s attempts at flirting with potential suitors over DMs. His awkwardness and lack of smoothness make for an amusing moment that is both relatable and charming. Naveen’s attempts range from humorous icebreakers like, “Guess you’ve been eating an apple a day, because you’ve kept this doctor away,” to a more earnest, “I was talking to my mom today, and I remembered you have a mom. So, how are you, man?!” The scene is a prime example of how A Nice Indian Boy blends humor with the everyday struggles of finding love in the digital age.
Karan Soni as Naveen Gavaskar, Jonathan Groff as Jay Kurundkar in A Nice Indian Boy. Photo: Levantine Films
While the film’s central romance is between Naveen and Jay, it is also filled with several other love stories that make it more than just a typical rom-com. The relationships within Naveen’s family, particularly between him and his parents, add a depth to the narrative. His mother, Megha (played by Zarna Garg), his father, Archit (Harish Patel), and his older sister, Sunita (Arundhathi Gavaskar), all play significant roles in the story. As much as Naveen and Jay’s relationship is central to the plot, the film highlights how families can be both supportive and challenging when it comes to love, especially when cultural traditions are at play.
What makes A Nice Indian Boy even more remarkable is its inclusivity. The film features two openly gay actors in the lead roles, with Soni playing the main character, Naveen, an Indian American man who finds himself struggling to balance his romantic life with his family’s expectations. This groundbreaking representation is a refreshing change from many mainstream rom-coms, where LGBTQ+ characters are often relegated to supporting roles or marginalized storylines. Soni’s portrayal of Naveen is filled with both humor and depth, making it clear that this is not just another romantic comedy — it is a meaningful exploration of identity, love, and family.
Sas Goldberg as Billie, Jonathan Groff as Jay Kurundkar, Karan Soni as Naveen Gavaskar in A Nice Indian Boy. Photo: Levantine Films
“I grew up in India, going to many weddings just sitting on the sidelines as a family member, watching two straight people get married over and over again and being like, ‘I’ll probably never see a gay version of this,’” Soni said in a recent interview with Newseek, recalling the significance of the film’s opening scene, which features Naveen’s sister’s wedding. The moment serves as a poignant reflection of the expectations placed on him, as family members eagerly ask, “When are you next?” It is a scenario many viewers can relate to, especially those who have experienced similar pressure to conform to societal norms.
Groff, who plays Jay, described the film’s unconventional approach to romance as one of the reasons he was drawn to the project. “It was so evocative,” Groff said, recalling his initial reaction to reading the script. “I was anticipating what would be the end of the story, but it then became about the family and the wedding and all of that. That, to me, was so beautiful and surprising.”
The chemistry between Soni and Groff is palpable on screen, and their off-screen friendship only enhances their performances. The two actors share a genuine bond, which translates into their portrayal of Naveen and Jay’s relationship. Their camaraderie was built during the intense shooting schedule, which saw the cast working six-day weeks. Despite the grueling schedule, both Soni and Groff speak with admiration about the process of making the film.
Groff noted, “Working on the movie gave me hope. To be in an environment where Karan is bringing his full self and Roshan [Sethi] is bringing his full self, it trickled down through every department.” This collective energy is evident in the film, which has already garnered glowing reviews. With a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for its endearing charm and humor, A Nice Indian Boy is quickly becoming a must-see.
Soni and Groff’s performances are complemented by the direction of Roshan Sethi, who expertly captures the emotional and comedic beats of the story. The film’s warmth and lightheartedness are a refreshing antidote to the heavy drama often associated with LGBTQ+ stories. Instead of focusing on trauma, A Nice Indian Boy celebrates love, family, and the joy that comes with finding someone who truly understands you.
“A Nice Indian Boy” opens in theaters on April 4, 2025. This film is sure to resonate with audiences for its humor, relatability, and heart — and, most importantly, its message of love transcending cultural and familial boundaries. Whether you’re a fan of rom-coms, LGBTQ+ films, or simply looking for something that will make you laugh and feel good, A Nice Indian Boy is the movie to watch this spring.
