Mississippi Masala (1991)

In the backdrop of the British Raj in India, countless Indian laborers were dispatched to Uganda to construct a railway. Once completed, many chose to make a life in the lush landscapes of Uganda, their fortunes blooming as they became prosperous property owners. This prosperity, however, stoked envy and resentment, overshadowing the harmonious coexistence between the Ugandan-Indians and the native Ugandans. In 1972, under the iron-fisted rule of General Idi Amin, the Indian community was abruptly uprooted from their adopted homeland, a harsh decree fueled by the vision of a "black Africa". Among the displaced were Jay, Kinnu, and their young daughter Meena, forced to trade the vibrant warmth of Kampala for the unfamiliar streets of Greenwood, Mississippi. In their new world, the family grappled with the challenges of reestablishing their lives while nurturing fading connections with their scattered relatives. Jay and Kinnu, once affluent property owners, now ran a modest liquor store. Meena, navigating her young adulthood, cleaned motel rooms and bathrooms. The family's struggles were further complicated by the blight of racial prejudice, with Meena's dark complexion often leading to her mistaken identity as a Mexican. Despite the hardship, Jay clung to the glimmering hope of returning to his estate in Kampala, nursing a deep-seated grudge against the Africans who had claimed his once cherished home. This resentment threatened to shatter the family's fragile peace when Meena fell in love with Demetrius Williams, a black man with a humble carpet cleaning business. The revelation of their love affair rekindles old wounds, forcing both families to confront prejudices deeply rooted in tradition and race. Mississippi Masala is a poignant tale of love, displacement, and the power of tradition. This compelling drama sheds light on the often harsh realities of multicultural societies, exploring the tension between the longing for one's homeland and the will to embrace change. As the story unfolds, viewers are left wondering if Meena and Demetrius can withstand the storm their love has stirred or if they will become yet another casualty of the enduring legacy of racism.

Mississippi Masala is a drama movie featuring Sarita Choudhury.

Mississippi Masala is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.