There is so much more to the story line of Chutney Popcorn than its publicity states, it is almost a disservice to the movie not to mention them.

Initially we are given the family dynamics -- mother with two daughters -- one a lesbian and the other straight. It is apparent through comments, actions and situations that though Reena (the lesbian sister/daughter) is out to her family, they have not yet come to terms with her sexuality. Reena (Nisha Ganatra) exhibits a great deal of patience and love toward her mother and sister, but the pain and feelings of alienation are also apparent to anyone watching - which Ms. Ganatra allows us to see without appearing overly dramatic. Throughout the movie we can see the respect and love grow between the three in very tangible ways.

Reena's sister (Sakina Jaffrey) gives an incredible performance of a woman who goes through the roller coaster emotions and growth from the limiting dreams of husband and children into a confident, strong woman capable of fulfilling her own needs. Ms. Jaffrey superbly demonstrates the sadness, depression and anger that one experiences when real life destroys precious dreams. I found this character the most inspiring of all.

CHUTNEY POPCORN

Lisa and Reena are young, happy and in love. But when Reena agrees to become a surrogate mother for her childless sister, the cultural struggles between immigrant parents and their Americanized children and the strength of family ties. Ultimately, Chutney Popcorn offers a refreshing look at one contentious and loving family reinventing itself.

I found the character of Lisa (Jill Hennessy) to be incomplete -- there were too many reactions that did not fit the character. The entire relationship between Lisa and Reena left me a bit cold -- there was plenty of passion, but I did not see a meeting of the minds or the love they professed. The relationship between the two seemed to have no more depth than did the relationship between Reena and her roommate.

Overall I would say that the relationship and growth shown between the family members, coupled with the manner in which the most sensitive issues are portrayed make watching this movie very satisfying and worthwhile.

The acting, direction and writing of Chutney Popcorn are superior to most movies of this genre -- something in which everyone involved should take pride.