Watch For Here or to Go?

For Here or to Go? is a 2015 Indian-American independent film that explores the complicated world of immigration through the lens of a group of foreign-born tech workers living in the United States. The film is written and directed by Rucha Humnabadkar and stars Ali Fazal, Melanie Chandra, and Rajit Kapoor in lead roles. The movie is set in the heart of Silicon Valley and takes a close look at the lives of four Indian techies who work for different companies. The film begins with Vivek (Ali Fazal), a software engineer, who has just moved to the Bay Area on an H1-B visa from India. He is hoping to build a career and a life in the US, but as he soon learns, it is not as easy as it seems. Vivek struggles with the exhausting demands of his job and the stress of adapting to a new country, where everything feels alien and unfamiliar.

Soon, he meets a group of other Indian techies, including Lakshmi (Melanie Chandra), the smart and ambitious CEO of a tech start-up, Amit (Omi Vaidya), a geeky coder with a wicked sense of humor, and Vishwanath (Rajit Kapoor), a retired software engineer who has lived in the US for decades. All of them are also here on visas, and all of them are facing the same challenges as Vivek.

As the group navigates through the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives, they soon realize that their visas are about to expire, and they have to make some hard choices. Should they stay in the US and fight for their right to work and live here, or should they pack up and leave? The movie explores the emotional and practical implications of those choices, capturing the multicultural landscape of modern-day America and the uneasy relationship between foreign workers and their adopted home.

The film is a thoughtful and nuanced look at immigration that blends drama, comedy, and a touch of romance. It tackles some pressing questions about identity and belonging and shines a light on some of the issues faced by immigrants in the US. It also raises important questions about the role of technology and its impact on society, especially in terms of employment and the displacement of workers.

The performances in the movie are engaging and heartfelt, with standout performances from Ali Fazal, who brings a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to his role, and Melanie Chandra, who infuses her character with a fierce determination and a subtle vulnerability. Rajit Kapoor, as the wise and experienced Vishwanath, is a delight to watch, and Omi Vaidya brings his trademark energy and humor to the screen.

Overall, For Here or to Go? is a timely and insightful film that offers much-needed insights into the complex world of immigration and the challenges that immigrant workers face in the US. It is a film that celebrates the multicultural fabric of America and offers a hopeful and inspiring message about resilience, community, and hope.