The Mistress of Spices (2005)

In India, Tilo has the ability of foreseeing the future. When their parents are killed by bandits, she is kidnapped but escapes and is raised by the First Mother in a sort of traditional ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Mayeda Berges

Writers:

Gurinder Chadha (screenplay), Paul Mayeda Berges (screenplay),

Stars:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Dylan McDermott, Nitin Ganatra

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan	...	Tilo (as Aishwarya Rai)
Dylan McDermott	...	Doug
Nitin Ganatra	...	Haroun Rehman
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje	...	Kwesi
Caroline Chikezie	...	Myisha
Anupam Kher	...	Geeta's Grandfather
Shaheen Khan	...	Jagit's Mother
Sonny Gill Dulay	...	Jagjit
Nina Young	...	Doug's Mother
Toby Marlow	...	Young Doug
Padma Lakshmi	...	Geeta
Zohra Segal	...	First Mother
Paul Bhattacharjee	...	Satish - Geeta's dad
Ayesha Dharker	...	Hameeda - Haroun's neighbor
Rebecca Bowden	...	Bougainvillea Girl

Storyline

In India, Tilo has the ability of foreseeing the future. When their parents are killed by bandits, she is kidnapped but escapes and is raised by the First Mother in a sort of traditional cult of spices. She becomes the Mistress of Spices and is sent to the Spice Bazaar in San Francisco, with the mission of following three basic rules: help her clients to accomplish their desires with the spices, but never hers; never leave the store; and never be touched in the skin. When she meets the handsome American architect Doug, she feels a great attraction and desire for him, breaking the first rule and being punished by the spices.

---

Plot Keywords:

spice | taxi driver | voice over narration | bathtub | beach | 

---

Taglines:

One spice for passion. And one woman who knows its name.

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violent images and sensuality

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 April 2006 (UK)

Also Known As:

Condimentos para el amor

Filming Locations:

Baker's Beach, Presidio, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$21,941 (New Zealand) (7 July 2006)

Gross:

$63,969 (New Zealand) (7 July 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Balle Pictures, Capitol Films, Ingenious Film Partners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gurinder Chadha and her mother made all the mango and carrot pickles seen at the spice store.

---

Goofs

Towards the end, Doug hits red chili peppers with his shoulder. The chili start turning. In the next shot they are still, and in the following one they are swinging.

---

Quotes

Tilo: Chili, spice of red Thursday, which is the day of reckoning. Day which invites us to pick up the sack of our existence and shake it inside out. Day of suicide, day of murder.

---

Connections

References Chocolat (2000)

---

Soundtracks

"Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha (Flute Mix)"
Performed by Bally Sagoo

User Reviews

A little strange, but I enjoyed it.

This was a very strange movie, not a role suited to Aishwarya. To be honest, it was a let down after 'Bride and Prejudice'. I like the fact that they didn't overdo her hair and make-up and her outfits were plain.

The story was a bit weird and the plot almost non-existent but, non the less, it was an interesting take on the magic genre.

If you're an Aishwarya Rai fan then I would suggest that you watch the movie and make up your own mind. If you are not familiar with Indian culture then the movie can provide you with a slightly negative view but try to bear in mind that it was made from a slight 'tongue-in-cheek' perspective.