The Guru [DVD] [2002]

Ramu then seeks work in a film, initially not realizing the type of film that it is. When he gets the part, he meets his co-star, Sharonna (Heather Graham), who is a lovely young woman, but finds himself unable to go through with the role, despite Sharonna's philosophical guidance, as it is nothing more than a porn film. When he goes to a high society party where his friends are working, he finds himself with an unexpected opportunity, when the hired Swami falls down into a drunken stupor just before he is to begin entertaining the guests. He is then thrust into the role of Swami. Passing off some of Sharonna's philosophical encouragement as pearls of wisdom, Ramu suddenly finds himself thrust into the role of the Guru of sex. It is at that party that he begins a relationship with the daughter of the house, Lexi (Marisa Tomei), a seriously silly, fabulously wealthy young woman who lacks direction in her life, but believe that she has found something special with Ramu.

With her connections, she puts Ramu on the fast track to fame and fortune. Still, his initial sexual philosophy came from Sharonna, so he arranges to meet with her for some more philosophical guidance, under the theory that he needs her help in order for him to be able to get over his fear of breaking into the porn business. Using her pearls of wisdom, Ramu develops a following, and Ramu, as well as his friends, find themselves traveling on a first class gravy train. In the meantime, Ramu also finds himself falling in love with Sharonna.

Sharonna, meanwhile, is leading a double life, as her firefighter fiance thinks that she is a substitute teacher. He and his family have no idea that she is a porn star, and she prefers to keep it that way. Her fiancé is a serious Irish Catholic, who does not even believe in consummating their relationship before marriage. This should have told Sharonna something right off the bat. While helping Ramu, not knowing that her pearls of wisdom are being used by him in the context of his being the Guru of sex, she, too, begins falling in love with him, only she doesn't know it, as yet.

With its Bollywood style musical numbers, this is a fun, lighthearted film that boasts an excellent cast. Heather Graham is simply wonderful in the role of Sharonna, the porn star with the heart of gold who is doing it simply for the money. Jimi Mistry is delightful as the Guru of sex, funny and sexy. Marissa Tomei is terrific as the madcap heiress, who has too much money and too much time on her hands. Christina Baranski is excellent as Chantal, Lexi's wacky upper crust mother. The film holds some surprises, but never fails to amuse. Those who like Bollywood style films, will definitely enjoy this one.

The plot may sound trite, but, thanks to the charm and appeal of Jimi Mistry and the clever script, it's really quite good. Mistry plays the wide-eyed innocent perfectly, and is handsome and charismatic enough to carry off the role of media darling. Graham has her best role to date as the endearing adult film star/girl-next-door. Tomei gives a good performance as the silly rich girl without becoming tiresome. Michael McKean almost steals the show (as usual) as the sleazy movie director. The fish-out-of-water, East meets West story has a lot of laughs and some touching moments as well.