Watch Chutney Popcorn

Chutney Popcorn is a 1999 independent film starring Nisha Ganatra, Jill Hennessy, and Sakina Jaffrey. The movie was written and directed by Ganatra herself, and it tells a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The movie centers around Reena (played by Ganatra), an Indian-American woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is a talented filmmaker who is frustrated by the lack of opportunities available to her, and she is also dealing with the pressure to start a family from her mother (played by Jaffrey).

However, things take an unexpected turn when Reena's sister, Sarita (played by Hennessy), announces that she is pregnant but unable to have a child. She asks Reena to be the surrogate mother for her and her husband, and Reena agrees.

This decision reopens old wounds for Reena, who had previously struggled with her own infertility issues. However, she ultimately decides to go through with the surrogacy, and the movie follows her journey as she carries her sister's child.

The movie explores a number of complex themes throughout its runtime. One of the most prominent themes is the struggle to find one's identity as a first-generation immigrant. Reena is caught between two worlds - the traditional Indian culture of her family and the more liberal, Americanized culture that she belongs to. She feels like she doesn't quite fit in with either, and this sense of displacement is a major source of her frustration.

The movie also delves into the subject of infertility and the stigma that surrounds it. Reena's struggle to conceive is a major source of tension in her marriage, and it is something that she feels ashamed of. However, through the surrogacy process, she is able to confront these feelings and come to a place of acceptance.

The relationship between sisters is also a major focus of the movie. Reena and Sarita have a complicated dynamic that is shaped by their shared history and cultural background. Their relationship is not always easy, but it is clear that they care deeply for each other and will do anything to help each other out.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Chutney Popcorn is a surprisingly lighthearted and enjoyable movie. There are moments of humor woven throughout, and the movie's overall tone is uplifting and optimistic. Nisha Ganatra gives a fantastic performance as Reena, and she is well-supported by a talented cast that includes Jill Hennessy and Sakina Jaffrey.

Overall, Chutney Popcorn is a touching and heartfelt movie that explores a number of important themes. It is a true indie gem that deserves more recognition than it has received, and it is definitely worth seeking out for anyone who enjoys thoughtful, character-driven dramas.

Chutney Popcorn is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 66.