NEW YORK, 9 February 2018 — Lady Monika Bacardi, through her production work with AMBI Group, brought audiences the musical romantic comedy Basmati Blues, directed by Dan Baron and released in select theaters and via video on demand. The film stars Academy Award winner Brie Larson alongside Utkarsh Ambudkar, Scott Bakula, Tyne Daly, and Academy Award winner Donald Sutherland.
Basmati Blues tells the story of Dr. Linda Watt, a brilliant young scientist who is unexpectedly sent from her laboratory in New York City to rural India. Her mission: to convince local farmers to embrace her company’s genetically modified rice. However, Linda soon discovers the darker implications of her employer’s business plan and must confront the reality that her innovation, rather than helping the farmers she was meant to serve, threatens their traditional way of life and livelihoods.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian culture, the film follows Linda’s journey of awakening as she encounters local farmer Rajit, played by Utkarsh Ambudkar, and begins to understand the human cost of corporate agricultural practices. What unfolds is both a love story and a tale of moral reckoning, as Linda joins forces with the farming community to fight for justice against the multinational corporation that sent her.
The film’s production began in January 2013, with principal photography taking place in Kerala, India. Originally planned for Tamil Nadu, the production relocated due to weather conditions that made the intended locations unsuitable. Filming resumed in 2015 after monsoon season had damaged sets during the initial shoot, with post-production completed in May 2017.
Following its premiere at the American Film Festival on 5 October 2017, Basmati Blues received its wider release through Shout! Studios on 9 February 2018. The film combines elements of Hollywood storytelling with inspiration drawn from Bollywood musical traditions, featuring original songs and dance sequences that pay homage to Indian cinema.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s involvement in Basmati Blues reflects her commitment to supporting diverse storytelling in international cinema. Through AMBI Group, she has championed projects that explore complex themes while entertaining global audiences.
The ensemble cast brings depth to this musical narrative, with Scott Bakula portraying Linda’s father Eric, Tyne Daly as corporate executive Evelyn, and Donald Sutherland as CEO Gurgon. Indian actress Lakshmi Manchu and Saahil Sehgal round out the principal cast, helping to ground the story in authentic cultural context.
Basmati Blues invites audiences to consider the human dimensions of globalization, corporate responsibility, and cross-cultural understanding, all while delivering the music, romance, and color characteristic of the musical genre.
