The Other End of the Line (2008) - 3½ Stars

We've all dealt with calling customer service here in the U.S. and connected to India to handle the call. It's not so much talking to people around the world, but sometimes their accents are so heavy, it's hard to understand what they say or believe how they can help from the other side of the world. When I read the plot for this movie, I had preconceived ideas about how I thought I would enjoy it, but it was a pleasant surprise. With romance between a female operator from India and a young male entrepreneur from the U.S., the movie turns out very well done. Metcalfe and Saran actually make a believable couple even when the story gets far fetched, their chemistry together makes it work. Her family comes from the wealthier end of town far from Slumdog Millionaire so I guess she could afford the trip to the America.

Granger Woodruff (Jesse Metcalfe) is awoken one morning by operator Priya Sethi (Shriya Saran) from CitiBank. It seems there are charges on his account the company is trying to verify he has made. Even though no one wants to have their credit card company calling them, Granger doesn't seem to mind much as Priya has a very sexy sounding and helpful American voice. She has practiced English well and can change her voice to give callers the impressions they are reaching directly her company in the U.S..

Meanwhile in India, Priya is about to become married to a man that their families have arranged. She's a free spirited woman who values her family traditional customs, but desires to marry for love rather than a pre-made match. She begins to envision what Granger looks like and after the two share many more conversations, she lies to him saying she lives in San Francisco. When Granger has to suddenly make a business trip to San Francisco, he asks for a dinner date since they feel so comfortable. Priya walks out on her arranged marriage, with her family not far behind, to see if this is the true love she's been dreaming of.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), MGM Distribution Company
Director: James Dodson
Writer: Tracey Jackson
Producer: Ashok Amritraj

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