Directed by
David Kaplan
Made by
Reliance MediaWorks
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Today's Special (2010). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Samir, portrayed by Aasif Mandvi, is a gifted sous chef working at a renowned New York restaurant. However, his dreams of becoming head chef are constantly dashed by his overbearing boss, played by Dean Winters. Just when he thinks he might catch a break, a family emergency strikes: his father’s sudden illness compels him to leave behind his aspirations of culinary exploration in France, forcing him to take charge of the beleaguered family Indian restaurant, Tandoori Palace in Queens.
The once-vibrant establishment now teeters on the edge of failure, run by two incompetent chefs, adorned with outdated decor, and relying solely on the unending patronage of Samir’s uncles, who are more interested in their card games than the cuisine. Adding to the pressure, Samir realizes that his grasp of Indian cooking is sadly lacking.
Just then, the scene is brightened by the arrival of Akbar, a character embodied by the charismatic Naseeruddin Shah. This larger-than-life chef doubles as a taxi driver, bringing not just culinary skills but also a zest for life that captivates everyone around him. With Akbar’s guidance, Samir embarks on a transformative journey, unraveling the mysteries of masala while discovering the lovely Carrie, played by Jess Weixler. Through Akbar’s eyes, he learns how to seamlessly blend traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Meanwhile, Samir’s mother, portrayed by Madhur Jaffrey, pushes him towards a life of arranged marriage, while his father, Hakkim, played by Harish Patel, is unable to see the potential in his son. As the trio, along with the kitchen staff, work tirelessly to rejuvenate Tandoori Palace, their combined efforts bring astonishing results. The restaurant is revitalized with a fresh look, and the menu dazzles patrons, winning the hearts of New York’s food lovers.
When Akbar prepares to leave for Akron, Ohio, he instills a newfound confidence in Samir, believing he can manage on his own. Initially determined to sell the family business, Hakkim becomes inspired by his son’s dedication and impressive growth, ultimately deciding to keep Tandoori Palace. In a touching moment, the father wraps Samir in a warm embrace, proudly acknowledging his son’s achievements and the bright future ahead.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Today's Special (2010) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Samir's Dilemma
Samir is a talented sous chef at a prestigious New York restaurant but finds himself constantly overshadowed by his demanding boss. Despite his aspirations to become the head chef, he faces relentless challenges that push him further from his culinary dreams.
Family Emergency
Samir's life takes an unexpected turn when he learns of his father's sudden illness. This urgent situation compels him to abandon his dreams of culinary exploration in France and return home to manage the struggling family restaurant.
Tandoori Palace’s Struggles
Upon arriving at Tandoori Palace in Queens, Samir finds the restaurant in disarray. It is poorly managed by incompetent chefs and relies heavily on the dwindling patronage of his uninterested uncles who prioritize their card games over the restaurant's success.
Culinary Knowledge Gap
As Samir takes charge, he quickly realizes that his knowledge of Indian cuisine is insufficient. This lack of expertise puts immense pressure on him as he struggles to save the beloved family establishment from ruin.
Arrival of Akbar
Just when things seem bleak, Akbar, a vibrant and charismatic chef, arrives at Tandoori Palace. His unique approach to cooking and infectious enthusiasm offer Samir a much-needed spark of inspiration and hope.
Learning from Akbar
Under Akbar's mentorship, Samir embarks on a culinary journey to master the art of Indian cooking. He learns to blend traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, which rejuvenates his passion for the cuisine.
Romantic Interest
During this transformative period, Samir meets Carrie, a charming character who captures his interest and heart. Their budding relationship adds both excitement and complexity to Samir's life as he navigates his personal and professional challenges.
Push Toward Arranged Marriage
As Samir works to revitalize Tandoori Palace, his mother pressures him towards an arranged marriage. This cultural expectation adds to the stress he faces while trying to prove himself in the culinary world.
Samir’s Growth
Through relentless hard work and dedication alongside Akbar and the kitchen staff, Samir gradually gains confidence in his abilities. His newfound culinary skills begin to reshape the restaurant's fortunes as they innovate the menu and ambiance.
Restaurant's Revitalization
With Samir at the helm, Tandoori Palace undergoes a remarkable transformation. The restaurant reopens with an enticing menu and fresh decor, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of food lovers from New York.
Akbar Prepares to Leave
As Akbar gets ready to depart for Akron, Ohio, he reassures Samir of his potential to manage the restaurant on his own. This moment becomes a turning point for Samir, solidifying his confidence and independence.
Hakkim's Change of Heart
Initially intent on selling Tandoori Palace, Samir's father Hakkim witnesses his son's dedication to the restaurant. This shift in perspective leads to Hakkim's decision to retain the family business, recognizing Samir's growth.
Father-Son Reconciliation
In a touching culmination of their journey, Hakkim embraces Samir, expressing pride in his son's accomplishments. This heartfelt moment signifies a new chapter in their relationship as they look ahead to the future together.
Explore all characters from Today's Special (2010). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Samir
Samir is a talented sous chef who faces the pressure of living up to his family's culinary legacy while managing the failing Tandoori Palace. His journey is marked by self-doubt and the challenge to harmonize personal aspirations with familial expectations. With the guidance of Akbar, he discovers his potential and the importance of his cultural roots.
Akbar
Akbar is a larger-than-life chef who brings a refreshing perspective to Samir's life. As a taxi driver and culinary mentor, he helps Samir blend traditional Indian cooking with modern techniques. His vibrant personality and zest for life inspire those around him, making him a pivotal figure in Samir's journey of self-discovery.
Carrie
Carrie is a love interest for Samir who represents his pursuit of personal happiness amidst family obligations. Her character intertwines with Samir's journey, as she encourages him to embrace his identity and culinary passion. Her presence serves as a reminder of the balance between love and ambition.
Hakkim
Hakkim is Samir's father who struggles to recognize his son's potential and the importance of their family business. Initially resistant to change, he ultimately finds pride in Samir's accomplishments, reflecting the theme of generational conflict and reconciliation. His character arc highlights the evolving dynamic within the family.
Learn where and when Today's Special (2010) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern challenges in the culinary world and personal aspirations. The narrative encompasses themes of family, culture, and the evolving food scene, emphasizing the importance of identity in a diverse society.
Location
New York, Queens, Tandoori Palace
The story is set primarily in New York, specifically in the vibrant borough of Queens. This area is known for its diverse culinary scene, rich cultural heritage, and bustling neighborhoods. Tandoori Palace, the family restaurant, serves as a central hub in the narrative, symbolizing both heritage and the challenges of maintaining a beloved culinary legacy.
Discover the main themes in Today's Special (2010). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Culinary Heritage
The film explores the theme of culinary heritage, highlighting the significance of traditional Indian cooking. Samir's journey showcases the challenges he faces in revitalizing his family's restaurant while embracing the flavors of his culture. This theme is accentuated by the mentorship of Akbar, who helps bridge the gap between old and new culinary practices.
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Family & Tradition
A strong theme of family and tradition runs throughout the movie as Samir navigates his relationship with his father and the expectations of his cultural background. The push for arranged marriage vs. personal aspirations creates tension that ultimately resolves in familial support and understanding.
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Self-Discovery
Samir's transformation from a sous chef to a confident chef embodies the theme of self-discovery. Through his trials at Tandoori Palace, he learns not only the art of cooking but also about belief in oneself and pursuing dreams despite obstacles. His growth is vital in restoring both the family business and his self-worth.
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