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.
135 Reviews
Much better than expected
tallard12 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!
Silly fun
rbverhoef15 November 2003
'The Guru' is one of those predictable comedies that's fun to watch. You knows exactly what will happen with every character and you still like what you see. The simple story is about a guy from India, Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry), coming to America and presenting himself as a guru, becoming more and more popular. He is discovered by Lexi (Marisa Tomei). The wise words he uses he learns from porn star Sharonna (Heather Graham). She thinks he is practicing to become a porn star himself. Her own secret is that she is about to marry a guy who knows nothing about her job. That guy thinks she is a school teacher.
The nice people in this movie make it work a little more. The best thing in it is definitely Marisa Tomei who wants to be as spiritual as you can get. Jimi Mistry has the charms you need in a movie like this and Heather Graham plays a porn star not for the first time. Some nice dance scenes are also worth watching and all together this movie was pretty entertaining.
The nice people in this movie make it work a little more. The best thing in it is definitely Marisa Tomei who wants to be as spiritual as you can get. Jimi Mistry has the charms you need in a movie like this and Heather Graham plays a porn star not for the first time. Some nice dance scenes are also worth watching and all together this movie was pretty entertaining.
Now, this is how you do a cute, funny love story
MLDinTN9 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.
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.
Boring.....
imran-138 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I honestly tried to like this movie. I had to stop it few times, take a break and then push myself to see it. But at last I gave up and closed the movie without watching last 20 minutes.
I loved many other movies about Desis in West. "Harold and Kumar", "Bend it like Bekham" and "Where's the Party Yaar?". Based on those experiences I rented this out, hoping to have a blast. But no.
Reason: Lack of originality. There is nothing original about this movie. Stereo typical accents, lame jokes, romance without any chemistry, lack of character development. Instead of a solid story, movie relied on chicks, hero, Indian accent and dances. (that is my main complaint about bollywood movies too!) And jokes.....making stupid sexual noises is not funny. Not in 21st century.
** Spoilers ** Ramu character, the main one, not developed properly. He's taking lessons to be Sex Guru, wants to get in Hollywood and yelling at Lexi for helping him doing that?
"Harold and Kumar" was hilarious, roof blowing jokes and superb scene after scene. "Bend it like Bekham" was great. Even songs where better than this one, and had a story...This movie has none. Except sexy chicks, a hero and some lame dances. Chicks are old btw.
Rent it if you like majority of bollywood movies. Don't if you expect a story.
I loved many other movies about Desis in West. "Harold and Kumar", "Bend it like Bekham" and "Where's the Party Yaar?". Based on those experiences I rented this out, hoping to have a blast. But no.
Reason: Lack of originality. There is nothing original about this movie. Stereo typical accents, lame jokes, romance without any chemistry, lack of character development. Instead of a solid story, movie relied on chicks, hero, Indian accent and dances. (that is my main complaint about bollywood movies too!) And jokes.....making stupid sexual noises is not funny. Not in 21st century.
** Spoilers ** Ramu character, the main one, not developed properly. He's taking lessons to be Sex Guru, wants to get in Hollywood and yelling at Lexi for helping him doing that?
"Harold and Kumar" was hilarious, roof blowing jokes and superb scene after scene. "Bend it like Bekham" was great. Even songs where better than this one, and had a story...This movie has none. Except sexy chicks, a hero and some lame dances. Chicks are old btw.
Rent it if you like majority of bollywood movies. Don't if you expect a story.
Bollywood in Hollywood
claudio_carvalho9 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")
Title (Brazil): "O Guru do Sexo" ("The Guru of the Sex")
what a disappointment
BJBatimdb31 August 2002
This movie looked like a lot of fun in the trailer and I was really
looking forward to some light escapism. But, boy! Was I wrong! This is possibly the worst film I've ever paid to go and see. It's got
about six funny lines in it but the story is 100% predictable and
corny. However, even though you've seen it all before, the makers
have still managed to inject a good deal of confusion and
jumpiness into it. There is zero emotional content in this movie.
The whole thing is contrived and hackneyed. It's just a big jumble
of ideas, slapped together by numbers in an attempt to have a
feelgood hit. There's one original idea in the whole film (so I won't
spoil it for you) but even that is TOTALLY wasted! I was
embarrassed that I'd asked a friend to the movie. I paid for her
ticket before she arrived and afterwards she didn't offer to pay me
back and I didn't expect her to! I usually try to be constructive in my
criticism but this film is so lazy and so cynical in the emotional
points it tries to score that I just feel cheated. If the writer, producer
and director couldn't be bothered to make the effort, why should I?
looking forward to some light escapism. But, boy! Was I wrong! This is possibly the worst film I've ever paid to go and see. It's got
about six funny lines in it but the story is 100% predictable and
corny. However, even though you've seen it all before, the makers
have still managed to inject a good deal of confusion and
jumpiness into it. There is zero emotional content in this movie.
The whole thing is contrived and hackneyed. It's just a big jumble
of ideas, slapped together by numbers in an attempt to have a
feelgood hit. There's one original idea in the whole film (so I won't
spoil it for you) but even that is TOTALLY wasted! I was
embarrassed that I'd asked a friend to the movie. I paid for her
ticket before she arrived and afterwards she didn't offer to pay me
back and I didn't expect her to! I usually try to be constructive in my
criticism but this film is so lazy and so cynical in the emotional
points it tries to score that I just feel cheated. If the writer, producer
and director couldn't be bothered to make the effort, why should I?
It might not make you laugh, but you may be sore from grinning
gregsrants3 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!
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!
don't even try it..
smdd7 July 2009
I watched this movie quite a while ago (somehow it seemed to be OK to me back then) and just happened to watch it again on the TV tonight.. Boy!.. Have I changed that much over the past 5 years??
I mean it was a nice silly movie going around love, sex and regular Hollywood bull-stuff, that didn't really matter that much.. but, i guess.. only at the first glance. The biggest and the worst idea of this movie is that you can be anybody and do whatever you feel like (without a glimpse of prejudice) and still find happiness.. oh really!??
NO WAY! (unfortunately)..
The karma (they joke about) won't let one become happy, living the way this movie's characters live.
This movie is just not worth watching, if you want to watch something less harmful and sensible check out "Outsourced" - it has the same flavor, but the aftertaste is just so-so different..
Cheers!
I mean it was a nice silly movie going around love, sex and regular Hollywood bull-stuff, that didn't really matter that much.. but, i guess.. only at the first glance. The biggest and the worst idea of this movie is that you can be anybody and do whatever you feel like (without a glimpse of prejudice) and still find happiness.. oh really!??
NO WAY! (unfortunately)..
The karma (they joke about) won't let one become happy, living the way this movie's characters live.
This movie is just not worth watching, if you want to watch something less harmful and sensible check out "Outsourced" - it has the same flavor, but the aftertaste is just so-so different..
Cheers!
Extremely enjoyable fluff
Boyo-27 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.
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.
The Sex Guru
tbills210 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Jimi Mistry ~ Nice going Jimi, you really deserve this, I'm so jealous of you being around Heather and Marisa, you are awesome and sweet, I hope to recognize you in other films from the past, present, and future. Thank you, come again.
Heather Graham ~ Wow, Heather, you are soooo hot in this movie in your all red bra and underwear lingerie and your power suit on the beautiful beach there and even sexier in your glasses and backpack school teacher look. Heather, you're an angel from heaven, you have a big ass head, and a beautiful baby doll face with big blue ass eyes and a one of a kind smoking hot bod. I love you. You're so, so, soooooo hot, and gorgeous, and smart.
Michael McKean ~ Haha, you're so funny in this, Michael, so funny.
Christine Baranski ~ Sexy and classy, my dear, Christine, so sexy.
Marisa Tomei ~ Woooooooow, I love you so much, Marisa, you're sooooooooooo funny and sweet. You're a true goddess, of life, sex, passion and love. God, I love you Marisa, Tomei. You're so sweet and incredible during the Chori Chori dance scene aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand even way more hot, sweet and incredible in your underwear and your massage scene. Oh my God, I love you, Marisa Tomei, so, so much. I need you, I want you, and you're so rare, like a one of a kind and precious ruby.
(dance is like love, join me, follow your inner beat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHORI CHORI HUM GORI SE PYAAR KARENGEY CHUPKE CHUPKE DIL KE BAATEIN YAAR KRENGEY AH CHORI CHORI HUMGORI SE PYAAR KERENGEY CHUPKE CHUPKE DIL KE BAATEIN YAAR KRENGEY AANE WAALI KABH AAYEGI KOI DE BATAA DHOOND RAHE HAIN JAANE KABH SE HUM USKA PATAA !! ! !! AAJA AJAA AJAA AJAA AAAH !)
Heather Graham ~ Wow, Heather, you are soooo hot in this movie in your all red bra and underwear lingerie and your power suit on the beautiful beach there and even sexier in your glasses and backpack school teacher look. Heather, you're an angel from heaven, you have a big ass head, and a beautiful baby doll face with big blue ass eyes and a one of a kind smoking hot bod. I love you. You're so, so, soooooo hot, and gorgeous, and smart.
Michael McKean ~ Haha, you're so funny in this, Michael, so funny.
Christine Baranski ~ Sexy and classy, my dear, Christine, so sexy.
Marisa Tomei ~ Woooooooow, I love you so much, Marisa, you're sooooooooooo funny and sweet. You're a true goddess, of life, sex, passion and love. God, I love you Marisa, Tomei. You're so sweet and incredible during the Chori Chori dance scene aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand even way more hot, sweet and incredible in your underwear and your massage scene. Oh my God, I love you, Marisa Tomei, so, so much. I need you, I want you, and you're so rare, like a one of a kind and precious ruby.
(dance is like love, join me, follow your inner beat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHORI CHORI HUM GORI SE PYAAR KARENGEY CHUPKE CHUPKE DIL KE BAATEIN YAAR KRENGEY AH CHORI CHORI HUMGORI SE PYAAR KERENGEY CHUPKE CHUPKE DIL KE BAATEIN YAAR KRENGEY AANE WAALI KABH AAYEGI KOI DE BATAA DHOOND RAHE HAIN JAANE KABH SE HUM USKA PATAA !! ! !! AAJA AJAA AJAA AJAA AAAH !)
Totally enjoyable, at least for me
bilahn25 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!
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!
An enjoyable movie.
richieandsam23 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
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
Colorful but lightweight Romantic Comedy
Turfseer22 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The Guru is one those pictures which is more interesting watching the film with the commentary on DVD than watching the film without it. Actually there are two sets of commentaries on the DVD: one with the director, Daisy von Scherler Mayer and screenwriter, Tracey Jackson together and another with the film's star, Jimi Mistry. There are all kinds of facts about the making of the picture that are quite fascinating (for example, the director decided to leave in a scene of a real-life paparazzi taking a picture of Heather Graham as the film was being shot!).
On the plus side, The Guru has a strong cast which includes the extremely funny and talented Michael McKean (I loved him in 'Coneheads'), Christine Baranski (she was excellent in the recent Broadway production of 'Boeing, Boeing') and the very versatile Marisa Tomei who steals the show here as a spoiled, neurotic daughter in a upper-crust New York family who pursues eastern spiritualism without giving up her western decadence and sense of entitlement.
Despite the potential, The Guru ends up as lightweight fare, the kind of entertainment you will soon forget about after a first viewing. While the plotting is more than acceptable, the problem is that the story simply isn't funny. This is mainly due to a lack of inspiration on the part of screenwriter Jackson. She readily admits that she intentionally softened up some of the more unsavory aspects of her storyparticularly in her treatment of the porn industry, in order to lighten the overall mood. By doing so, she dumbs down her characters into sentimental cream puffs so that the humor no longer has an edge. No one clear-cut antagonist emerges for Ramu Gupta (The Guru) to oppose. Instead, the focus is more on his internal arc in which he battles the seduction of crass materialism.
Even if we are willing to accept the screenwriter's distorted but 'affectionate send-ups', the Guru has a more serious problem. If you think about it, The Guru is a story that could actually happen. How many times have we heard stories about various Svengali-like figures seducing masses of gullible people? Even though the Guru is supposed to be an exaggerated tale of seduction, the method by which the seduction is executed must be somewhat credible. When the Swami passes out at the catered party and Ramu has to pretend that he is now the all-knowing Guru, he first breaks into a dance which immediately seems to mesmerize the group of pretentious New York intellectuals who have been waiting for their next spiritual mentor to open up their chakras and show them 'the light'. It's a farcical moment, not very clever, but something we're willing to accept in order to see what comes next.
As it turns out, Gupta relies on his muse, Sharrona (Heather Graham), the porn star masquerading as a substitute teacher, for a string of aphorisms that somehow turns everybody into cult-like followers. The aphorisms aren't clever at all. Sharrona coughs up such profundities as "Fear is cold, it freezes up"; when we come, we let go of our fears"; "my pussy is the door to my soul". The point is that the pretentious intellectuals are so stupid that they fall for these inane pontifications. It's obvious stuff and in screenwriter Jackson's dumbed-down world, the Guru has it TOO easy seducing these buffoons. Jackson's satire has no bite since she has created no credible targets to satirize. The Guru's victims needed to be more fleshed out, real people and the Guru needed a much more clever, original and believable plan rather than merely spouting a few trite aphorisms that sway everybody to him.
Toward the end of the film, the Guru jokes have worn out their welcome (they weren't funny at the beginning of the film too!). The Guru devolves into standard romantic comedy fare with Sharonna suddenly realizing that she was meant for Ramu all along. The Guru cannot be accused of not being good-natured however. In a plea for tolerance, Sharrona's fiancé realizes that he too (all along) has been in love and at the movie's end he's fallen for his gay firefighter boyfriend.
The Guru was filmed on location in New York City as well as some of the early scenes on location in India. It's a colorful film, well-acted including some lively dance numbers. Nonetheless, The Guru is so lightweight that it lacks the main ingredient for comedy: laughs!!!
On the plus side, The Guru has a strong cast which includes the extremely funny and talented Michael McKean (I loved him in 'Coneheads'), Christine Baranski (she was excellent in the recent Broadway production of 'Boeing, Boeing') and the very versatile Marisa Tomei who steals the show here as a spoiled, neurotic daughter in a upper-crust New York family who pursues eastern spiritualism without giving up her western decadence and sense of entitlement.
Despite the potential, The Guru ends up as lightweight fare, the kind of entertainment you will soon forget about after a first viewing. While the plotting is more than acceptable, the problem is that the story simply isn't funny. This is mainly due to a lack of inspiration on the part of screenwriter Jackson. She readily admits that she intentionally softened up some of the more unsavory aspects of her storyparticularly in her treatment of the porn industry, in order to lighten the overall mood. By doing so, she dumbs down her characters into sentimental cream puffs so that the humor no longer has an edge. No one clear-cut antagonist emerges for Ramu Gupta (The Guru) to oppose. Instead, the focus is more on his internal arc in which he battles the seduction of crass materialism.
Even if we are willing to accept the screenwriter's distorted but 'affectionate send-ups', the Guru has a more serious problem. If you think about it, The Guru is a story that could actually happen. How many times have we heard stories about various Svengali-like figures seducing masses of gullible people? Even though the Guru is supposed to be an exaggerated tale of seduction, the method by which the seduction is executed must be somewhat credible. When the Swami passes out at the catered party and Ramu has to pretend that he is now the all-knowing Guru, he first breaks into a dance which immediately seems to mesmerize the group of pretentious New York intellectuals who have been waiting for their next spiritual mentor to open up their chakras and show them 'the light'. It's a farcical moment, not very clever, but something we're willing to accept in order to see what comes next.
As it turns out, Gupta relies on his muse, Sharrona (Heather Graham), the porn star masquerading as a substitute teacher, for a string of aphorisms that somehow turns everybody into cult-like followers. The aphorisms aren't clever at all. Sharrona coughs up such profundities as "Fear is cold, it freezes up"; when we come, we let go of our fears"; "my pussy is the door to my soul". The point is that the pretentious intellectuals are so stupid that they fall for these inane pontifications. It's obvious stuff and in screenwriter Jackson's dumbed-down world, the Guru has it TOO easy seducing these buffoons. Jackson's satire has no bite since she has created no credible targets to satirize. The Guru's victims needed to be more fleshed out, real people and the Guru needed a much more clever, original and believable plan rather than merely spouting a few trite aphorisms that sway everybody to him.
Toward the end of the film, the Guru jokes have worn out their welcome (they weren't funny at the beginning of the film too!). The Guru devolves into standard romantic comedy fare with Sharonna suddenly realizing that she was meant for Ramu all along. The Guru cannot be accused of not being good-natured however. In a plea for tolerance, Sharrona's fiancé realizes that he too (all along) has been in love and at the movie's end he's fallen for his gay firefighter boyfriend.
The Guru was filmed on location in New York City as well as some of the early scenes on location in India. It's a colorful film, well-acted including some lively dance numbers. Nonetheless, The Guru is so lightweight that it lacks the main ingredient for comedy: laughs!!!
Offbeat romantic comedy
devreser16 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.
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.
disappointing
KELDER-311 October 2002
After seeing the trailers and previews I was looking forward to watch this movie, but it was such a disappointment. The story lacks any kind of really good comedy, the pace just isn't right and overall this flick just doesn't do it for me.
A 5 out of 10 (had some laughs, and i wasn't really annoyed after seeing it, so for the sake of it)
A 5 out of 10 (had some laughs, and i wasn't really annoyed after seeing it, so for the sake of it)
Romance Movie?
iwatcheverything17 January 2004
Why did they turn a sex comedy into some kind of romance movie? In the end I still enjoyed watching this film. It was definitely a different idea that I had not seen. The acting for this was not bad for the type of film it was. Heather Graham had a great performance. I think if she broadened out a bit she would do well in many types of films. The film was lacking something. Probably the sex that the previews promised you. Well all in all it was not a bad film and I would watch it again. Maybe a buy if it was cheap.
Bumbling and predictable Guru
rosscinema24 June 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those films that while you watch it you can't help but scratch your head and wonder how a bunch of studio executives thought they would go to all the trouble and spend all that money on a film that seemed destined to be dead in the water. Story is about a young man named Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry) who teaches dance but decides to go to America and become a star. He arrives in New York City and stays with friends while he looks for work but the only thing he can find is a gig with a studio that makes porno movies. On his first day he meets porn actress Sharonna (Heather Graham) who is engaged to be married to a man who thinks she is a teacher. Ramu likes the advice she gives him and he remembers it but he fails miserably as a porn actor and goes back to being a food server.
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
While at a dinner party Ramu steps in to portray a guru and is a big hit in high class circles and soon he is asked to give private meetings with clients as he spouts wisdom about sex which is just some of the things that Sharonna tells him. Ramu starts dating Lexi (Marisa Tomei) who sets him up with meetings where he gets paid so Ramu convinces Sharonna to give him private tutoring about sex and the mind as one. But Ramu becomes attracted to her and falls in love but while this goes on he becomes a media sensation and appears on TV where Sharonna discovers the truth about why he wants private tutoring.
This film is directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer who is usually a good director but she bites off to much here and it's impossible to buy the premise of the story. Mayer is much more effective at directing smaller and more intimate films but with this script it's hard to feel sorry for porn actors who lie to their loved ones and if that wasn't enough there are a few scenes where the actors burst into song and dance. The whole mixture comes across as totally uneven and it effects the pace of the film which appears to meander. Graham is a talented actress and god knows I can watch her in anything but lately her choice of film projects has not been very good. Graham possesses arguably the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen on film and she gives a few of her patented glares but they're wasted in this poorly conceived story. This is one of those films that I can easily say don't waste your time and if your looking for a film where Graham portrays a porn actress then go rent "Boogie Nights".
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
While at a dinner party Ramu steps in to portray a guru and is a big hit in high class circles and soon he is asked to give private meetings with clients as he spouts wisdom about sex which is just some of the things that Sharonna tells him. Ramu starts dating Lexi (Marisa Tomei) who sets him up with meetings where he gets paid so Ramu convinces Sharonna to give him private tutoring about sex and the mind as one. But Ramu becomes attracted to her and falls in love but while this goes on he becomes a media sensation and appears on TV where Sharonna discovers the truth about why he wants private tutoring.
This film is directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer who is usually a good director but she bites off to much here and it's impossible to buy the premise of the story. Mayer is much more effective at directing smaller and more intimate films but with this script it's hard to feel sorry for porn actors who lie to their loved ones and if that wasn't enough there are a few scenes where the actors burst into song and dance. The whole mixture comes across as totally uneven and it effects the pace of the film which appears to meander. Graham is a talented actress and god knows I can watch her in anything but lately her choice of film projects has not been very good. Graham possesses arguably the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen on film and she gives a few of her patented glares but they're wasted in this poorly conceived story. This is one of those films that I can easily say don't waste your time and if your looking for a film where Graham portrays a porn actress then go rent "Boogie Nights".
Fun Cultural Mix
buzzedman_ie26 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.
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.
Just your average movie. Either good or crap...
udeaasykle28 June 2004
This is the second time i write comments for this movie because something went wrong the first time. Anyways, as my headline reads i think this is an average movie and those are the worst movies to review because i never know what to say about them. And i think this is one of those movies, neither good or crap, just okay. Not a movie i will remember for a long time for sure. The movie is a Bollywood meet Hollywood type of movie, or a "fish out of water" type of movie if you prefer that. the main character travels to the us to seek out fortune and fame. There is some funny moments in this movie so maybe some people out there will like it better then me. If you are in a good mood, watch it. I rate this movie 5/10
A sexy romantic comedy...with an edge.
insomniac_rod16 November 2008
This is a witty and sexy romantic comedy that isn't offensive by any means. Don't think that it pokes at Hindu culture or any racial situations; it only tries to entertain the audience with sexual humor and the occasional American humor combined with nice choreography and crazy dialogs.
The main character played by Jim Ministry is really fun and does perfectly the Hindu accent. It's like watching an episode of SNL but only better.
The situations are funny and sometimes over the top but that's what makes this movie unique. Don't label it before watching it and you will surprise yourself.
Heather Graham looks really sexy and cute, and actually, delivers a fine performance when she needs to.
Marisa Tomei is one hot woman and in this movie she looks wonderful and still manages to deliver a believable performance.
So I recommend this movie for those who enjoy romantic comedies with black humor and sexual situations.
The ending is a blast.
The main character played by Jim Ministry is really fun and does perfectly the Hindu accent. It's like watching an episode of SNL but only better.
The situations are funny and sometimes over the top but that's what makes this movie unique. Don't label it before watching it and you will surprise yourself.
Heather Graham looks really sexy and cute, and actually, delivers a fine performance when she needs to.
Marisa Tomei is one hot woman and in this movie she looks wonderful and still manages to deliver a believable performance.
So I recommend this movie for those who enjoy romantic comedies with black humor and sexual situations.
The ending is a blast.
Silly
Spanner-219 February 2003
A mildly amusing comedy about an Indian actor who comes to america to be the next John Travolta (the "Grease" version) and winds up in a porno movie and then becoming the "Guru of Sex." Yea its a silly premise but it works fairly well because of an amusing script and game performances from Jimi Mistry (as the "Guru") and Heather Graham and Marisa Tomei as the women in his life. A fun film but not too much depth. GRADE: B-
This is a terrifc comedy folks not a disertation on Indian life. The audience(including all the Indians) loved it!!!!!!!
ilovepix13 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"
Delightful
MovieLuvaMatt7 September 2003
Despite a predictable plot, the film is charming and funny, and that's what saves it. The actors are all appealing. There are some nice musical numbers, yet there aren't so many that the film itself turns into a corny musical. The film was a bomb both critically and financially, but I didn't see what was wrong with it.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
My score: 7 (out of 10)
Offensive to Indian people
embaixador12 February 2003
This movie is offensive. It plays on so many stereotypes. People who know nothing about India will walk out thinking that the country is nothing but holy cows, sexual monkeys, silly chanting, etc. The lead actor is British, not Indian. His attempts at an Indian accent are sad. And the jokes are simply not imaginative (example: "He's Indian? Oh, do you mean Native American? Ha ha ha!!").
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