Directed by
Daisy von Scherler Mayer
Made by
Universal Pictures
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Guru (2003). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Ramu’s journey begins in his childhood when he, as a young boy, finds himself bored by a Bollywood dance number, prompting his decision to sneak into another theater showcasing John Travolta’s Grease. This experience ignites a passion for Western dance in him. As he grows up, Ramu Gupta, portrayed by Jimi Mistry, establishes himself as a dance instructor at his own studio called the Shanti Dance and Modern Movement, attracting a clientele of middle-aged women looking to regain their youthful exuberance.
Leaving behind his home in Delhi, India, Ramu sets off to pursue the American Dream in the United States. Against the wishes of his parents, who fear he might end up working as a waiter or taxi driver, Ramu turns over his dance classes to his sister, Manju Mati, from Kerala. He is lured by his cousin Vijay’s grandiose promises of a luxurious life, but upon arriving in New York City, Ramu is disillusioned to find that Vijay lives in a shared apartment with two roommates, Sanjiv and Amit, and drives no car at all.
Frustrated, Ramu takes a job as a waiter but is soon fired after a confrontation with a customer. Desperate for success, he ventures into acting, bewildered when he lands a role in a pornographic film produced by Dwain, a director played by Michael McKean. His audition involves a dance number but takes an unexpected turn when Dwain requests he remove his pants, leaving Ramu perplexed about the nature of the project. Soon, he discovers his co-star is a striking adult actress named Sharonna, portrayed by Heather Graham.
Facing nervousness on set due to the intimacy of the scene, Ramu struggles to perform, prompting Sharonna to offer him advice that centers around the concept of perception and the intelligence behind sexual connection. With their differing worlds merging, Sharonna has her own secrets, including an engagement to a firefighter named Rusty, who is unaware of her career.
During a catering gig gone awry, Ramu seizes an opportunity to impress at a birthday party for Alexandra “Lexi” Hamilton, played by Marisa Tomei. Lexi, captivated by Ramu’s improvised oration, inadvertently promotes him as a New Age sex guru, leading to unexpected fame and intimacy between them, despite Ramu’s lack of genuine material to work from.
To enhance his role, Ramu seeks Sharonna’s guidance on the intricacies of adult films, leading to deeper feelings developing between them, even as she remains engaged to Rusty. Ramu enjoys newfound financial success as he helps Lexi’s friends navigate their troubled relationships, but his connection with Sharonna complicates matters. As Ramu’s celebrity status soars, he grapples with the relationship dynamics that come with it, prompting an identity crisis between maintaining his fame and pursuing genuine love.
Confrontations arise when Lexi tries to dominate Ramu’s career and life choices, leading to a pivotal breaking point. This tension explodes when Ramu openly declares his feelings for Sharonna, who, grappling with her past and relationship status, runs away as he works through his public persona. Amidst turmoil, Ramu must come clean about his fraudulent life on national television and begins to turn things around, reigniting the romance that sparked between him and Sharonna.
In a dramatic finale, Ramu rushes to stop Sharonna’s wedding, paralleling the intense emotional conflicts faced by both characters. In a twist of fate, he encounters Rusty’s secret lover, leading to a shared moment of realization about love and commitment. Ultimately, the narrative concludes with a celebratory Bollywood dance number, uniting the essence of Ramu’s journey and the vibrant cultural influences that shaped his life.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Guru (2003) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Ramu's Introduction to Dance
As a young boy, Ramu experiences a pivotal moment when he is taken to the movies. Despite watching a Bollywood dance number, he feels unexcited and decides to leave for another movie hall, where he discovers the exhilarating Western dance style featured in 'Grease'.
Becoming a Dance Teacher
Ramu grows up and pursues his passion for dance, establishing his own dance studio named the Shanti Dance and Modern Movement. His primary clientele consists of middle-aged women eager to regain their youthful energy through Western dance classes.
Journey to the United States
Eager to seek new opportunities, Ramu leaves Delhi for the United States, passing the responsibilities of his dance classes to his sister, Manju Mati. Despite his parents' reservations about traveling abroad, Ramu is determined to find his fortune.
Reality Check
Upon arrival in New York City, Ramu is disillusioned to find that his cousin Vijay is living in a shared apartment without the lavish lifestyle he promised. Struggling to make ends meet, Ramu takes a job as a waiter but quickly faces challenges.
Unexpected Role in Adult Film
In his search for acting work, Ramu unwittingly auditions for a role in a pornographic film directed by Dwain. The realization of what the film entails hits him as he tries to navigate the unnerving set and his sexy co-star, Sharonna.
Nervousness on Set
While filming, Ramu struggles to perform due to nerves and his inexperience, much to the frustration of the crew. Sharonna offers him advice, drawing on her perspective on sexuality, which only complicates Ramu's feelings further.
Impromptu Speech at Birthday Party
Ramu and his friends participate in a catering job for a birthday party. When the hired speaker becomes incapacitated, Ramu steps in and improvises a speech that gains unexpected admiration, marking the beginning of his rise to fame.
Emergence as a Sex Guru
Ramu's impromptu speech at the party leads to him being hailed as a 'New Age sex guru' by the birthday girl, Lexi. She introduces him to new clients willing to pay for his advice, boosting his confidence and leading to further entanglements.
Relationship with Lexi
In the midst of his new lifestyle, Ramu finds himself in a complicated relationship with Lexi, who continues to book him for gigs. As Ramu gains fame, he grapples with balancing his personal feelings and professional obligations.
Deeper Connection with Sharonna
Despite his rising popularity, Ramu develops deeper feelings for Sharonna, the actress from the film set, complicating his life further. Their relationship grows but is hindered by her own commitments and the secrets they both try to navigate.
Confronting Personal Relationships
As Ramu's fame grows, Lexi's control over him tightens, causing tension between the two. Meanwhile, Sharonna struggles with her own dilemmas about her career as an adult film actress, and Ramu begins to realize where his true affections lie.
Television Appearance
Ramu makes a national TV appearance where he acknowledges the fraudulent foundation of his guru persona. This moment becomes a turning point as he passes the torch to Lexi while trying to make amends with his authentically feelings towards Sharonna.
Race Against Time
Following his TV revelation, Ramu rushes to stop Sharonna from marrying her fiancé, Rusty. His determination to express his love for her puts him in direct conflict with the reality of their complicated lives.
Confrontation with Rusty
At the church, Ramu's heartfelt intervention coincides with the revelation of Rusty's secret relationship with another man. This unexpected twist envelops the situation in further complexity as Ramu fights for Sharonna's affection.
A Bollywood Finale
In a vibrant conclusion, the film wraps up with a celebratory Bollywood dance number that symbolizes Ramu's return to his roots. This ending encapsulates his journey of personal growth and emotional revelations.
Explore all characters from The Guru (2003). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Ramu Gupta (Jimi Mistry)
Ramu is a hopeful and ambitious dance teacher from Delhi who seeks to make his mark in the US. His innocence and naivety lead him into unexpected situations, ultimately forcing him to confront his values and desires.
Sharonna (Heather Graham)
Sharonna is a confident and beautiful adult film actress who offers Ramu guidance while dealing with her own insecurities. Her multifaceted character explores themes of sexuality, identity, and love, especially as she navigates her complicated relationships.
Alexandra 'Lexi' Hamilton (Marisa Tomei)
Lexi is a charismatic and ambitious woman who helps propel Ramu into the spotlight as a 'Guru'. However, her desire for control and success creates tension, forcing Ramu to reevaluate his priorities and emotions.
Learn where and when The Guru (2003) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the cultural shifts and the pursuit of personal dreams in a globalized world. The characters navigate modern societal expectations and the complexities of relationships in today’s context.
Location
Delhi, New York City
The movie takes place in two major cities: Delhi, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as Ramu's hometown. New York City, a bustling metropolis, represents the American Dream that Ramu aspires to achieve, filled with opportunities but also challenges.
Discover the main themes in The Guru (2003). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Love vs. Ambition
The movie explores the conflict between personal ambitions and romantic relationships. Ramu's journey as he grapples with his newfound fame as a sex guru and his feelings for Sharonna highlights how ambition can impact personal connections.
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Identity
Identity is a central theme, as Ramu transforms from a naive dance teacher to a self-proclaimed 'Guru of Sex'. His journey raises questions about authenticity and how one's public persona can conflict with private truths.
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Deception
Deception is woven throughout the narrative, from Ramu's initial misunderstanding of his role to Sharonna's hidden life as a porn star. This theme highlights the complexity of human relationships where appearances often mask reality.
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