The Guru (2002) User Reviews

Now, this is how you do a cute, funny love story

[MLDinTN · 9 January 2004]

I had no idea what the plot of the Guru was before I saw it. And afterwards, I was glad I saw this unique love story that for some reason, never got much press when it was in theaters. The story revolves around a young India man who moves to New York to make his dreams of becoming rich and famous a reality. He tries out for a movie role, not knowing it was for a porn. On the set of the porn, he meets a girl, whom ends up giving him advice about sex. She thinks it is for working in porns, but he is using the advice to advance his career as the Guru. Of course, the two fall for each other and how they finally get together makes this movie worth while.

FINAL VERDICT: A lot of music, and a much better plot than most romantic comedies now days. This was much better than any of Sandra Bullocks lame romantic comedies. I recommend this unique, not-so-well-known, gem.

Offbeat romantic comedy

[devreser · 16 January 2004]

I caught this film late at night on Starz and decided to watch it. I was bracing myself for something stupid a la "Master of Disguise", but this is a good movie.

A young Indian goes to America in hopes of becoming the next John Travolta. He ends up working odd jobs while still searching to be discovered. He eventually does, but not as he had hoped. Marisa Tomei is psycho and Heather Graham is surprisingly good in this role. The ending is terrific. Leaves you feeling good. Everything has a good outcome.

It's too bad this movie bombed at the theatres. It's a good offbeat romantic comedy. I cracked up at quite a few parts. It's a light-hearted film with great music (traditional and modern). I recommend this to couples who want to spend a great evening inside with a bowl of popcorn.

Bollywood in Hollywood

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 9 January 2005]

In India, the dance teacher Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry) decides to move to New York to become a famous actor. He believes in the American Dream and wants the follow the example of his friend Vijay (Emil Marwa), who moved to USA and in accordance with his letters, has a Mercedez Benz and lives in a wonderful penthouse. When Ramu arrives in New York, he realizes that Vijay indeed is a complete loser, working as a cab driver and waiter in an Indian restaurant, and sharing a simple apartment with two other friends, one of them illegal. While looking for a job as an actor, the naive Ramu ends in a porn movie, and he meets the porn star Sharonna (Heather Graham), who teaches him some secrets to have a good performance in front of the camera and the shooting crew. Later, in the birthday party of Lexi (Marisa Tomei) in the wealthy house of her parents, he pretends to be a guru, and becomes very successful as the Guru of Sex, using the advice of Sharonna. This silly and delightful story is a great homage to Bollywood and a very good entertainment. Like in the Indian movies of Bollywood, there are lots of songs and numbers of dances, and the cast is very nice and enjoyable. Heather Graham and Marisa Tomei are beautiful as usual, and there are many funny scenes. It is impossible not liking such a sweet romantic comedy. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Guru do Sexo" ("The Guru of the Sex")

It might not make you laugh, but you may be sore from grinning

[gregsrants · 7/10 · 3 December 2003]

Not many people will be attracted to The Guru; if for no other reason that the movie poster (or DVD box, if you will) would suggest that of an Indian film that may be too ethnic for the casual moviegoer. And that is too bad, for The Guru is one of those small gems of a film that through word of mouth will eventually get its due as an entertaining, light comedy.

Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer (1998, Madeline), the movie stars Jimi Mistry as Ramu Gumpta, an young Indian man that moves to America in hopes of obtaining the American dream; that of fame, fortune and celebrity. His hopes are soon dashed however, when he realizes that the land of opportunity is not awaiting his presence with open arms, and he must find work as a waiter and then a reluctant actor in porn films in order to pay his quarter of the rent.

As chance would give, Ramu finds himself at an upper class house party where a guru has been hired as the entertainment. When the guru passes out due to excessive drinking, Ramu assumes his role and uses logic obtained on his movie sets to enliven the guests in the first of three musical numbers within the film. At this gathering, a young, compulsive female named Lexi (played by Academy Award Winner Marisa Tomei), falls for the guru's sexual teachings and soon uses her connections to get him set up with one-on-one client visits and eventually television spots.

But alas all is not well in guru land. The teachings and mutterings by Ramu are actually words from a porn actress named Sharona, (played with normal ditziness by Heather Graham), who thinks that she is giving him lessons on how to be a better porn star and asks only that he tells no one of the information they share. Later Ramu must is put in a ‘we-can-see-this-coming-a-mile-away' scene where his teachings to a mass audience are witnessed by Sharona and he must try to win her back after betraying her trust.

The Guru is very light entertainment, but it delivers by offering nothing more than a few laughs and musical numbers that will have your feet tapping the floor. There are plenty of ethnic jokes and stereotypes (Indians driving cabs, ha ha), but nothing offensive or off color. Daisy von Scherler Mayer keeps things lively by providing us with just the right amount of sex, music and humor to keep us enthralled.

The Guru is by far a perfect movie and a 7 out of 10 would be about the proper rating if I was asked to rate it on such a scale, but considering the amount of comedies out there and the lack of laughs they provide, I think you will agree that The Guru will at least keep a smile on your face for 90 minutes. Thumbs up!

Totally enjoyable, at least for me

[bilahn · 10/10 · 25 May 2006]

This is the kind of movie, when I read the negative reviews, that I just shake my head. All the august discussion, criticism of script, "racism", "lack of chemistry", lofty analysis, and on and on. And critic Michael Medved, his "review" which is more of a hand wringing speculation over the real-life sexual orientation of Mistral, reaches a new height of ignorance.

A movie doesn't have to be a masterpiece of cinema to be enjoyable. Of course it is not a "great" movie. WHO CARES? I enjoyed this movie more than any comedy I think since Big Business (another gem trashed by critics).

Of course it helps if you understand and like Bollywood and Indian culture, and it helps a lot if you appreciate the sexy charms of the lead actor, who is shall I say, remarkably supple.

If you fall in that category, I guarantee you will love The Guru, die laughing over the musical numbers, and be totally charmed by the cheesy ending.

My only substantive criticism of The Guru as a movie, is that it gets a little slow in places, and I think more musical numbers would have been great.

If you are not interested, this movie will leave you cold. That's OK. But spare us all the literate dissection.

I give The Guru a 10 for a wonderful movie diversion!

This is a terrifc comedy folks not a disertation on Indian life. The audience(including all the Indians) loved it!!!!!!!

[ilovepix · 9/10 · 13 February 2003]

A very funny & intelligent movie that spoofs all stereotypes, American as well as Asian. A real good hearted, feel good movie with some wise insights into peoples' foibles. The cast, the songs & the dancing are awesome. Much better than so called romantic comedy "How to Lose A Man In Ten Days"

Extremely enjoyable fluff

[Boyo-2 · 7/10 · 7 February 2004]

An homage to Bollywood, "Grease" and possibly Dr. Ruth, "The Guru" could be listed prominently in a cinematic encyclopedia under the heading of 'cute cute cute'.

As a child, Ramu is seen enjoying john Travolta and Olivia Newton-John singing "You're the One That I Want", which began his love of dance, music and Americana. He moves to the US as an adult to live with his cousin but the streets are not paved with the proverbial gold be had envisioned and when his career as a waiter is short-lived, he answers a want-ad requesting an actor. Much to his discomfort, the movie turns out to be pornography and he is, uh, unable to fulfill the requirements but he does become friends with his co-star, Sharona. She is sympathetic to his plight and begins giving him sexual advice so that he can become a full-fledged porn star. But he takes this advice and becomes a sexual guru who eventually charms Upper East Side socialites, most notable Lexi, and Sharona feels betrayed.

Needless to say, its all okay at the end, and so will you be, if you just enjoy it for what it is. I like the movie far too much to point out the logistic problems, but they are there.

I loved the musical numbers, all the actors are very well-cast, and some of it is hilarious. I liked Daisy's "Party Girl" a lot and after seeing this, I'll make sure to check out her other movies. 8/10.

Enjoyable fluff, great dance sequences

[michaelgrantham · 22 April 2004]

I had read a review of this that said the sex bit was quite low key and it was actually quite a good comedy. Indeed it was, not great, but quite watchable and good fun. Jimi Mistry was very good, and the female leads, Marisa Tomei and Heather Graham were funny and sexy.

The Bollywood dance sequences were well done, and Mistry proved he can move very nicely. There were several laugh out loud moments and overall it was a feelgood movie.

It wasnt the best sex comedy I have seen, and the laughs could have been more frequent, but that didnt spoil an otherwise light hearted and amusing film.

For an evening in with nothing else to do, worth watching!

Light, Funny, worth a rental

[ruddy_jim · 17 November 2003]

Ramu Gupta leaves his home in Bombay to join his rich relative in America to make his million, only to find that his 'rich' relative is actually a waiter. Ramu's dream of becoming a Movie Star hits a stumbling block and through circumstances out of his control he is forced to pose as a Guru of Sex.

Funny characters, decent plot, a good date movie.

To anyone who picks apart anything in The Guru (2002)- lighten up! This is a light romantic comedy - not a documentary. 7/10

what have the critics got against this film?

[m_stone · 8/10 · 30 August 2002]

Reading through the various reviews, they are almost uniformly bad. I had almost come to the conclusion we had seen different films, because the film I saw last night, far from being a flat, failed attempt at a Bollywood pastiche brought me in mind of past British comedy successes (FWAAF, East is East etc.)

If you treat it at face value as what it is; an undemanding romantic comedy then I think it succeeds. I laughed far more and much harder during this film than at any point in this summer's other so-called-comedy blockbusters (Austin Powers III - Yet another cash-cow etc.)

The tributes to the Bollywood scene which are used infrequently enough as not to tire of them bring a freshness to the film, and the comedy, given the subject matter, is subtle enough not to offend, but still manages to raise a smirk.

All of the cast seem to be having fun here; OK, it's probably not going to win any best actor Oscars, but I left the cinema in a really good mood - all I can ask of a light-hearted comedy.

Definitely recommended.

What a fun mvoie, I loved it. Bollywood meets Hollywood.

[amanda-rogers · 10/10 · 29 August 2002]

The Guru is an upbeat, fun movie, one that will leave you smiling and humming the catchy Bollywood-esque tunes as you exit the theatre. Jimi Mistry's energy as the fish-out-of-water Guru, Ramu Gupta is contagious, he dances and sings his way into our hearts as he does the same to Heather Graham's Sharonna. Marissa Tomei is funny and charming as Lexi the neurotic but well meaning - and eventually spiritually advanced manhattan socialite. The jokes are hysterical most particularly in the upper-east side community... case and point Christine Baranski (fabulous as Chantal, Lexi's neurotic self-centered mom) says, "Lexi, may I see you in the kitchen?" to which Lexi responds, "I don't know, mother, do you know where it is?" The dance numbers leave the audience applauding, they are beautifully shot by Director of Photography John DeBorman and directed by Daisy vonSherler Mayer. It's a timely film in that it is very gentle and "kindness is the new black". The film is smoothly and adeptly directed by Daisy vonSherler Mayer who seamlessly incorporates Indian Bollywood style with the American genres of Romantic Comedy and 1950's "Grease" style musical.

It's a fun night out, check it out!

Excellent comedy about two Indian men who try to obtain the American dream!

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 8/10 · 10 August 2006]

THE GURU, in my opinion, is an excellent comedy about two Indian men who try to obtain the American dream! If you ask me, Ramu was the true definition of a ladies man! In addition, all of his antics were hilarious. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that everyone was ideally cast, the direction was flawless, the production design was spectacular, and the performances were top-grade. Now, in conclusion, I highly recommend this excellent comedy about two Indian men who try to obtain the American dream. I guarantee you you'll enjoy it, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with a friend, and watch it.

An enjoyable movie.

[richieandsam · 7/10 · 23 September 2014]

THE GURU

I had seen this around on DVD before, but not really showed any interest. I am not a Bollywood fan and the cover of this film makes it look very Bollywood. But even though there are a few elements to Bollywood in there it is not Bollywood.

The movie is about an Indian guy who leaves India to pursue a career as a Hollywood actor. When he moves to the USA he gets a break in the movie industry by starring in a porn film… this doesn't work out but he does form a friendship with a porn actress who takes him under her wing and helps him get into the porn industry… little does she know that the information she is giving him he is using to trick everyone into thinking he is a Love Guru. People are listening to his advice and he starts getting recognised for it.

This is a romantic comedy but not like many others. The story is really well written. It has the typical elements of all romantic comedies, but this has a fresh feel to it. The comedy is well done, but not really laugh out loud. There were a few moments which I did laugh to, but generally the film was just amusing and fun.

The characters were really well played out. The characters were believable and also likable. Sometimes I find that in these films the characters can just be annoying and not really well done. I like to connect with the characters in the film, and in this it was good. The main character was played by Jimi Mistry. He was very good in this film and I am surprised that he gave up the big movie dream to end up in Coronation Street. I thought he was better than that. Other great performances in this were by Heather Graham and Marisa Tomei. Heathers character was just complicated. Her character was just very weak and seemed confused. Marisas character was just annoying, but not in a bad way. She played the part well and had some very funny moments.

There were a couple of funny musical numbers in this movie. They were unexpected and seemed out of place, but somehow worked really well. It added the Bollywood feel to the film and did make me laugh. The only part that I thought was a little out of place and did not belong in the film was the very last scene. The last scene really had me scratching my head as to what was going on. It didn't make sense and didn't belong in the film. I didn't get it.

It was an entertaining film and a lot better than I thought it would be. I will give this film 7 out of 10.

"I talked to a real live pornstar... and she sounded naked!"

for more reviews, please like my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ordinary-Person-Movie- Reviews/456572047728204?ref=hl

A perfect comedy for our times

[loveitorhateit · 10/10 · 29 June 2003]

I have watched this movie over and over, and I doubt if I will ever stop. It's that good. The characters are perfectly cast, the plot is classic for a comedy, and the dance numbers are simply amazing. The last scene never ceases to bring a big smile to my face. Most importantly to me, though, is the way the movie breaks down racial and cultural stereotypes. The world of "The Guru" is the world I want to live in!

If "coming to america" were done seriously

[axlrose100 · 10/10 · 11 February 2003]

The Guru is a great little film. The actors are great and the social commentary is as honest as it is subtle. This is a very subtle movie in general, with a smooth, realistic love story bounded together by a series of sensational events and circumstances. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone over 16 (since the comedy would not be well-consumed by someone much younger).

Unexpected delight

[xredgarnetx · 6/10 · 23 March 2008]

THE GURU tells of a an Indian dance instructor (Jimi Mistry) who comes to the U.S. to become a movie star. His first gig is in a porn film, where he meets porn actress Heathe Graham. She teaches him a thing or two, which he puts to excellent use as a phony guru performing at a posh birthday party for the very spoiled and libidinous Marisa Tomei. She falls for him and they have lots of sex. He teaches her everything he learns from Graham, and Tomei eventually becomes a celebrity herself. What happens to our pretend guru makes up the rest of this reasonably funny movie, which includes some big musical interludes done Bollywood style. Graham and Tomei are both incredibly sexy in this adult comedy. The British actor playing the supposed guru is woebegone in a pleasant way, but I must admit a little of him goes a long way. Keep your eye on the two gals and the musical numbers.

Fun Cultural Mix

[buzzedman_ie · 7/10 · 26 March 2007]

I wasn't expecting much from this movie, but I was surprised. It is light entertainment, and it has something for everyone. For those thinking this is simply an attempt at "Bollywood" trying to go mainstream, it's more than that. It's a comedy, love stories, satire, and self-help all rolled into one. The entire cast does a great job turning a trite farce into something more.

One expects a little extra from the likes of Marisa Tomei, Heather Graham, and Christine Baranski, and this film delivers. Baranski does a great job with what otherwise might be a forgettable role; Tomei adds an intelligence to her character that might have been missed by other actors. Graham and Jimi Mistry are wonderful as the leads, who both respectively lead double lives.

OK Midwinter fun

[welshgirl_ca · 6 February 2003]

I enjoyed it ... I didn't go into the theatre with super-high expectations, and its not Academy Award material obviously, but it made me smile for a couple of hours, tap my toes to the (too infrequent) musical numbers, and enjoy the eye candy that is Jimi Mistry :-D A pleasant piece of fluff and I always like the opportunity to see the very funny Christine Baranski (underused in Chicago).

A joyous romp.It will leave you smiling

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 2 February 2003]

A terrific flick full of joy and music. Spoofs the idle rich, the new age dillitantes, and the misconceptions of eastern & western. Just all around fun with an outstanding cast of Jim Mistry, Heather Gramham, & Marisa Tomei. See it you'll like it!!!!!!!

Much better than expected

[tallard · 6/10 · 12 January 2003]

I was initially NOT going to see it, but ended up using it as a laundry waiting period. I guess I'm sorta tired of the Indian in London movies, enough already! But this one was different, lighter, funnier, and had at least a few good lines in the script and the dance scenes nearly made me drop tears! It's worth it's cheap matinee price!

Fun, Fluffy, Feel Good Delight of a movie

[Sinnerman · 7 November 2002]

There are times when one should think much thematic depth and dramatic exposition in a motion picture. But this is not that film. Though, it is one hell of a entertaining flick.

I say, throw your artistic caution to the wind! Accept "The Guru" for what it is, a light fluffy movie that can charm your socks off anytime.

This is one of the most entertaining feel-good film I have seen in a very long time. Thank God (or Ganesha, with all due respect) for giving us this confection of a guilty pleasure.

Fantastic, go see it!

A Brilliant Comedy

[kkd470 · 10/10 · 4 October 2002]

This movie had me laughing a lot. A wonderful comedy with a mixture of bollywood and hollywood. Amazing songs used in this movie which work wonderfully. This movie does not take itself seriously at all which makes the movie work. Jimi Mistry is wonderful, great job, he had the part right on.

Its not a perfect film but it is entertaining and if you want to laugh, This is the film for you. Definately in my top 10 for 2002

The Guru of fun

[rjneb2 · 7 September 2002]

There isn't one moment during "The Guru" that we don't know exactly where it's going. Surprise is not a factor in its plotting. Surprise however is a factor in how infectiously good-natured it is. Even its cheeky little swipes at the porn industry are done in pretty good taste (and are probably the funniest aspect). It's almost like the template of romantic comedies has been strictly adhered to, which has freed cast and writer up to just have a good time. And they do. Jimi Mistry is an engaging presence as the Indian destined for something other than waiting than tables, and Heather Graham is very comfortable and a nice sunny presence as the porn star he falls in love with. Lurking in the background, and doing their utmost to steal the show, are Michael McKean as a sleazy porn director, and Christine Baranski as an uptight society hostess. But it's the film's own infectious glee at its blatant silliness is what wins the day here - especially in the song and dance numbers. They may be a tribute to Bollywood movies but when a traditional routine segues into "You're the One That I Want" from "Grease", it's a show-stopping moment.

Fast, different, funny

[russwrites · 8/10 · 28 August 2002]

The Guru is a refreshing twist on the stilted rom com genre. The action is fast and colourful with plenty of gags and amusing situations. The gist is that a young man leaves India, where he was teaching middle-aged ladies to do the Macarena, to find his fortune in New York. He unwittingly becomes a high society sex guru and a porn star with performance problems.

The use of a female porn star lead is reminiscent of Pretty Woman and the Indian influence makes a refreshing change from constant Hollywood stars. This is the first film I have seen since Moulin Rouge where the audience reacted simultaneously to the screen action and just like Moulin Rouge, the actors, not to mention the plot don't take themselves too seriously!

Really enjoyed the film, good fun had by all.

[matster · 9/10 · 25 August 2002]

I went to see the Guru in London at the weekend and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The basic story consists of a young Indian dance tutor who goes to America to realise his dream of becoming a movie star, only to unwittingly become involved in the porn/sex industry with some quite histerical consequences.

I had read that the film was very funny and I have to wholeheartedly agree. The acting was spot on, with Jimi Mistry making a good transition from small screen British soap to big screen box office. His timing and delivery was good, and his face often bore a comic look that was difficult not to laugh at. Heather Grahams' character was a bit less believable but she made a very good job in the circumstances. She also wore a particularly hot black leather number in one scene which gave the film at least one extra mark in my opinion! The supporting actors again all did well and although the storyline wasn't particularly realistic this didn't really matter.

What matters is that you go and see this movie with an open mind and make up your own opinion. In my opinion, and that of my four friends who came with me, it was a thouroughly enjoyable experience, and the most that I've laughed out loud in the cinema for some time. There was even a smattering of impromptu applause at the end from a good proportion of the audience, something almost unheard of from British moviegoers. Highly recommended, 9 out of 10 for comedy value.