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Comedy musical

Basmati Blues (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Basmati Blues (2018) movie poster

Basmati Blues is a 2018 comedy musical directed by Dan Baron, starring Brie Larson as Linda, Scott Bakula and Donald Sutherland. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes and earned $15,605 worldwide. Critics gave it 10% on Rotten Tomatoes and 30 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 3.9/10. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Cineverse, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
3.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
10%
worldwide gross
$15.6K
Echo Score
48
Basmati Blues (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
Dan Baron
Genres
Comedy , Romance , Musical
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Basmati Blues About?

The premise of Basmati Blues without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A scientist leaves her lab for the vibrant world of Bollywood in India. She finds herself caught between a charming guide and a free-spirited local while experiencing the country's colorful culture. However, her journey takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a troubling secret about her company’s business practices. Linda then joins forces with the villagers to fight for what’s right and ultimately finds her own path.

Basmati Blues Themes & Keywords

· 17 tags
  • genetic
  • reference to star wars
  • reference to obi wan kenobi
  • reference to darth vader
  • female scientist
  • rice
  • rice field
  • exploitation
  • shady corporation
  • corporation vs individual
  • saving a life
  • strong female character
+5 more
  • strong female lead
  • bollywood musical
  • interracial romance
  • india
  • food in title
Where to watch

Where to Watch Basmati Blues

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Cineverse, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Basmati Blues Cast & Characters

Brie Larson leads the cast as Linda, with Scott Bakula as Eric and Donald Sutherland as Gurgon. Directed by Dan Baron; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Basmati Blues

· 6 more
Ratings

Basmati Blues Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Basmati Blues 10% on Rotten Tomatoes and 30 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 3.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in sensory experience (75) and weakest in story & flow (30).

48 /100

Basmati Blues Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Basmati Blues registers as a moderately underwhelming musical with occasional highlights. Reviewers often point to Brie Larson’s engaging presence and moments of genuine charm amid uneven narrative execution. Critical commentary frequently notes the film’s inconsistent pacing, awkward tonal shifts, and half-realized environmental message. User feedback praises the cinematography and soundtrack while lamenting the plot’s disjointed structure and occasional cringe-worthy elements. Despite sporadic pleasures, the film settles into a largely forgettable experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows a clear visual appeal tempered by technical missteps. User accounts frequently highlight gorgeous cinematography and scenic locations, while some reports criticize awkward editing and inconsistent direction. Critics note the production design feels earnest but rarely elevates the material. The net effect is an uneven aesthetic that balances visual ambition with jarring execution.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances vary between appealing energy and shallow portrayals. Brie Larson’s presence is widely cited as engaging and her singing earns praise, while some critics find the characterizations lacking in depth and authenticity. User feedback notes enjoyable chemistry between leads. Overall, the cast effort is admirable despite limited emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 30

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative often strikes as uneven and underdeveloped. Critics point to disjointed plot points, awkward tonal shifts, and a half-hearted environmental critique that feels grafted onto the musical framework. User commentary echoes frustration with coherence and pacing. In sum, the story lacks sufficient originality and engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In the sensory dimension, the film’s music and visual styling offer distinct appeal. Several users commend Rajib Karmakar’s musical score and note strong vocal performances. Critics acknowledge pleasant singing moments, though sound design largely goes unremarked. The visual palette benefits from vibrant locations and set design. Overall, the soundtrack and visuals provide the most consistent sensory strengths.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film demonstrates limited lasting appeal despite occasional charms. Critics generally describe it as forgettable and unlikely to reward additional viewings, while users praise isolated moments of humor and chemistry but still view the experience as uneven. The inconsistent narrative and stylistic shifts undercut desire to revisit the film beyond initial exposure.

Plot

Basmati Blues Plot Summary

What happens in Basmati Blues from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the bustling concrete jungle of New York City, scientist Linda played by Brie Larson teams up with her father Eric, portrayed by Scott Bakula, at Mogil, a pioneering company set to change the rice industry with their groundbreaking genetically modified crop, known as 9. This innovative product, celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile, drought-resistance, and pest-repellent capabilities, catches the eye of the CEO Gurgon, played by Donald Sutherland, following a high-profile press conference led by executive Evelyn, depicted by Tyne Daly. Gurgon swiftly appoints Linda as the new sales representative, tasking her with the critical mission of persuading the farmers in Bilari, India, to adopt 9 and ultimately secure Mogil’s dominance in the market.

Full summary

The whole story of Basmati Blues, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Basmati Blues Box Office

Basmati Blues grossed $15,605 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$15.6K

International
$15.6K
Videos

Basmati Blues Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Basmati Blues.

Basmati Blues (2018) - Official Trailer (HQ) Brie Larson
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Basmati Blues?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main scientist trying to promote the genetically modified rice?

Cars

Cars in Basmati Blues

29 cars on screen, including the 2007 BMW X3 E83 and the Custom Made Tuk Tuk.

All 29 cars
  • 2007 BMW X3 E83 in Basmati Blues 2007 BMW X3 E83 Important role
  • Custom Made Tuk Tuk in Basmati Blues Custom Made Tuk Tuk Minor role
  • 2013 Ford Fusion Energi in Basmati Blues 2013 Ford Fusion Energi Minor role
  • 2006 Chevrolet Aveo in Basmati Blues 2006 Chevrolet Aveo Background role

Seen Basmati Blues?

FAQ

Basmati Blues FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Basmati Blues, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Basmati Blues?

Basmati Blues runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).

When was Basmati Blues released?

Basmati Blues was released on February 9, 2018.

Who directed Basmati Blues?

Basmati Blues was directed by Dan Baron.

Who is in the cast of Basmati Blues?

Basmati Blues stars Brie Larson as Linda, Scott Bakula as Eric and Donald Sutherland as Gurgon, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Basmati Blues?

In the US, Basmati Blues is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Cineverse and Dove and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Basmati Blues make at the box office?

Basmati Blues grossed $15,605 worldwide.

How is Basmati Blues rated?

Basmati Blues has 3.9/10 on IMDb, 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, 30 on Metacritic and 42% on TMDB.

Does Basmati Blues have a post-credit scene?

No. Basmati Blues has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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