NRI Movies Recommended by NRIGirl

* Swades: The best NRI movie that makes me think ...

Set in modern day India, Swades is a film that tackles the issues that development throws up on a grass root level. The film uses the contrast between the highly developed world of NASA, and this world back home in India, which is at the crossroads of development. Mohan's simple quest becomes the journey that every one of us goes through in search of that metaphysical and elusive place called "home".

* Nala Damayanthi: Depicts the life of an illegal NRI in Australia

Ramji is a cook from an Indian village, who decides to go to Australia to work as a chef there in order to get the money required for his sister's marriage. Unfortunately, the cook's employer is dead by the time Ramji arrives and he soon finds himself wandering around aimlessly in the cold, cruel city of Melbourne, looking for some salvation.

* The Namesake: Unfolding of life for an NRI couple

Ashima, a young Bengali woman, accepts Ashok's marriage proposal. He's a student living abroad, so after the marriage she accompanies him to New York, where their temporary residence becomes permanent. We see her navigate and adapt to this alien land.

* Mitr - My Friend: Beautiful movie depicting the struggles of an NRI Mom

The film opens with the marriage proceedings of a South Indian arranged marriage between Lakshmi  and Prithvi. Lakshmi is a typical South Indian girl from Chidambaram; Prithvi is a software engineer working in California. After the wedding, they move to the USA where Lakshmi gradually tries to fit into her new surroundings.

 * Bend it like Beckham: A fun movie showing how an NRIGirl bends it...

A comedy about bending the rules to reach your goal, Bend It Like Beckham explores the world of women's football, from kick-abouts in the park to freekicks in the Final. Set in Hounslow, West London and Hamburg, the film follows two 18 year olds with their hearts set on a future in professional soccer.

* Flavors: Shows the life of NRI singles in the USA

There are a number of concurrent storylines in Flavors, all of which have some connection to each other. Trying to find a balance between India and America is hard for all persons involved, but they somehow manage to work everything out.  It is interesting to see how all of the pieces of the puzzles are brought together at the end of the movie.

* Acham Undu Acham Undu: Every NRI should watch this movie

Made entirely in USA, Achamundu Achamundu revolves around a couple and their young daughter. What happens when a pedophile enters their house forms the story... It is scary - can not be watched with kids. But I encourage every NRI parent to be aware of what could happen if they trust everyone coming to work at their homes.

* Amreeka: Not an Indian movie, but we can relate to it well...

Muna, a single mother in Ramallah, has applied for a visa to the US. When it comes, her son Fadi, an excellent student, convinces her they should go. After an incident at customs begins their exile badly, they join Muna's sister and family in Illinois. Muna needs a job: although she has two degrees and 15 years' experience in banking, she settles for work at White Castle.

* Spellbound: NRI Parents preparing kids for Spellingbee

Film follows 8 teens and pre-teens - at least two of them are from NRI families -as they work their way toward the finals of the Scripps Howard national spelling bee. It is interesting how NRI parents take it seriousely, working along with their kids to prepare for the competition.