The Guru (2002)

In the vibrant heart of Delhi, South Asian native, Ramu Gupta, finds himself entranced by the allure of Western movie musicals. His dreams of stardom are not confined to the Indian silver screen; he yearns to become an American movie sensation, primarily as a dancer. When an old friend, Vijay Rao, paints an alluring picture of life in Manhattan, complete with a penthouse apartment and a luxurious Mercedes, Ramu decides to leave his home and chase his dreams in the Land of Opportunity. Upon his arrival in Manhattan, Ramu's illusions are shattered. Vijay's life is far from the glamourous image he had portrayed, with a taxi as his mode of transport and a cramped, run-down apartment shared with two other South Asian roommates. Despite the stark reality, Ramu's drive to prove himself in the entertainment industry remains unwavering. Ramu's pursuit of fame leads him on an unexpected detour into the world of adult film, where he meets Sharonna, a fellow actor who lives a double life; a sweet, innocent school teacher to her devout, Catholic firefighter fiancé, Rusty, and a sultry starlet in the adult film world. Ramu's inability to perform under the adult film's glaring lights drives him to take up a waiter job, where fate throws him into the opulent world of Lexi, a lost yet wealthy socialite. When Ramu is thrust into the role of an incapacitated Swami at Lexi's lavish birthday party, he channels the sexual advice given to him by Sharonna, sparking an unexpected hit. Lexi, finding her voice for the first time, decides to help Ramu spread the word of the swami, specifically as a sex guru, to the masses. Ramu, unsure of this new path, turns once again to Sharonna for guidance. As Ramu's popularity as a pseudo swami skyrockets, he must balance this newfound fame with the fact it's all built on a lie. He also struggles with his growing affection for Sharonna and the guilt of betraying her trust. Back in India, the Gupta family reels from the shock of seeing their Ramu, now the famed "Sex Guru," on live television. Little do they know, their son's journey to stardom is intertwined with the secrets of a porn star and the whims of a directionless socialite. In this whirlwind of ambition, deceit, and unexpected love, "The Guru" (2002) explores the jarring realities behind the American dream, the complexities of identity, and the lengths one man will go to chase his aspirations.

The Guru is a comedy movie featuring Jimi Mistry and directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer.

The Guru is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Peacock and Peacock Premium.