In its essence, Subhash Ghai's intentions were decent. He wanted to make a sort of patriotic movie about family values in India, respecting one's parents, loving one's home, etc. To illustrate this point as easily and "over abused-ly" as possible, he needed to draw a contrast with something. He decided to pick on Americans since he knows so much about them because he has watched a lot of TV.
What could have been a decent storyline with a truly meaningful message, turned out to be a self-patronizing, American-bashing exercise. Each and every negative stereotype was used against the Americans, and even for the Indians. Ghai refused to do any learning or research on the subject, got a budget approved to shoot in Hollywood and took the team there to act like Americans.
In short, the thing that Pardes teaches us is that Indians are family-oriented, have their feet on the ground, are humble, and keep their virginity for their spouses. Americans, or even Indian-Americans are vicious creatures that lust for flesh, respect no one, practice adultery.. and smoke.
I'm sorry Mr. Ghai, nice try, but the project could have been a classic had it not been put in your reckless hands.
What could have been a decent storyline with a truly meaningful message, turned out to be a self-patronizing, American-bashing exercise. Each and every negative stereotype was used against the Americans, and even for the Indians. Ghai refused to do any learning or research on the subject, got a budget approved to shoot in Hollywood and took the team there to act like Americans.
In short, the thing that Pardes teaches us is that Indians are family-oriented, have their feet on the ground, are humble, and keep their virginity for their spouses. Americans, or even Indian-Americans are vicious creatures that lust for flesh, respect no one, practice adultery.. and smoke.
I'm sorry Mr. Ghai, nice try, but the project could have been a classic had it not been put in your reckless hands.