Bright dialogue and finely embroidered performances adorn The Guru like festive beading on a pair of made-in-India bedroom slippers.
75
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
The first pleasant surprise of 2003, a cross-cultural romantic comedy that doesn't stint on romance or comedy, and- - when you least expect and most need it- - throws in some jaunty musical numbers of its own.
60
Village VoiceEd Park
Village VoiceEd Park
As a dirtier Deepak, Mistry is blankly sweet, suitable for his role as Subcontinental Rorschach.
58
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
Terrific musical numbers and interesting premise.
50
Washington Post
Washington Post
A spirited rally in the final reel can't quite overcome the damage.
40
The New YorkerAnthony Lane
The New YorkerAnthony Lane
It may have the melody, visage and basics of a Bollywood biggie, but truth be told, The Guru, despite it’s zest and lure, gives the far-off genus a bad wrap. [3 February 2003, p.98]
40
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
A film that tries constantly to amuse, but succeeds only fitfully.
It's refreshing to see an American movie with an Indian protagonist not played by a white actor in makeup, but it would be a lot more refreshing if that actor (Jimi Mistry) were given a character to play, not just a comic conceit and near-toxic levels of enthusiasm.