Movie Review by Nigel A. Messenger
Starring: Heather Graham, Marisa Tomei, Jimi Mistry, Christine Baransky, Michael McKean
Director: Daisy Von Scherler Mayer
Heather Graham a porn actress again? Is there a hint of typecasting here, she played Rollergirl a porn star in BOOGIE NIGHTS, or may be this part was just too good to turn down. Whatever the reason she made the right decision because THE GURU and everybody in it are excellent.
Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry) is a young Indian dance instructor who dreams of going to America to become a star and make his fortune. When he goes to live in New York he finds his friend’s good fortune has been highly exaggerated. When going for an audition he inadvertently tries out for a part in a porn production and although this doesn’t exactly work out he does meet his co-star Sharrona (Heather Graham) who offers to give him lessons to make it in the porn business.
Meanwhile in order to help his friends out of a situation he winds up impersonating an Indian Guru at a private birthday party. When they ask to hear his worldly insights he uses all he has learnt at Sharonna’s lessons to preach about sex. He is a hit not only with the party guests but also with the birthday girl Lexi (Marisa Tomei). They quickly move in together and through her influential friends Ramu takes to the path of success as a ‘sex guru’.
However as his career progresses he finds he must choose between achieving his Hollywood dream or the girl he really loves… Sharonna, who is about to marry her apparently straight-laced fireman boyfriend.
THE GURU is a thoroughly enjoyable movie that will entertain everyone and make Jimi Mistry a star. Heather Graham once again shines as a comedy actress and Marisa Tomei is excellent as the rich girl totally obsessed with discovering her inner self. Watch out too for the best rescue at a wedding scene since THE GRADUATE. This really is Hollywood with a touch of Bollywood spice.
