Search - Indian Invasion Comedy: Civilizing the West on DVD

Hilarious!

Easter | New York, NY USA | 12/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great comedy tour. If you haven't seen Vijai Nathan perform before, you're in for a treat!"

Good compilation for desi comedy; excellent set from Rajiv S

Rajesh Bansal | 01/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who is both an Indian-American and a fan of stand-up comedy, I was curious to watch Indian Invasion Comedy. Finally, a DVD showcasing the talents of DesiNation's best.

The DVD starts strong with Rajiv Satyal. Satyal, an Ohioan whose act ranges from growing up in Cincinnati with a desi name, to his "fun-size" lubido dating escapades, proves to be easily the strongest of the comedians, which is especially surprising given the billing of the other comics. His act, mixed with his semi/self-deprecating nerdiness, perfectly captures what it's like to grow up as an Indian-American in the surburban U.S. Additionally, Satyal's act is more universal than the other comics, and contains bits every man/woman can relate to, not just desis. Vidur Kapur proves to be a fresh voice, due to his gay sexuality and Indian-American descent. However, like many of the other comics, his act starts strong and quickly fades. Vijai Nathan was the most disappointing of the comics. Too often, her act appears dumbed-down for the comedy afficionado, and just doesn't contain the level of wit Satyal seems to grasp. And the billing of Mark Saldana as "the best Indian comic in the nation" is simply not true. While he is likeable, Saldana's act contains very little substance and charm.

Overall, the DVD receives high marks for being the first of its kind for the mainstream market. However, beware of the billings on the back cover. Rajiv Satyal outshines the rest of the cast and seems to possess more "staying power" and longevity among his peers, especially when you consider more Indian comics will continue to develop and hit the comedy scene, as well as the long-term evolution of desi comedy. And if you're not sure whether or not to trust a random Amazon reviewer, consider this: Satyal was pegged as one of only two US-based Indian "comics to watch" by none other than Russell Peters - someone whose opinion probably matters most when considering not only the desi comedy field, but the overall stand-up comedy scene.
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Laugh out loud Hilarious!

Amazon Patron | San Diego, CA | 12/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the funniest comedy shows I have seen all year. Fabulous Cast!"

Vijai Nathan rises to the top on Indian Invasion Comedy

Kris Nicholson | here | 04/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of five Indian/American stand-up comics - three men and two women - is perfect, laugh-infested entertainment for Indian/Americans as well as stateside residents who are intrigued by the mystique of this South Asian culture. If neither of these descriptions fit, don't worry. It will also appeal to any man or woman who loves provocative and often x-rated laughs.

Though I suggest you check out the whole collection, I especially enjoyed Vidur Kapur's hysterical and poignant account of what it is like to grow up as a gay Indian-American (although most of your neighbors of Indian origin will tell you there are no gay Indians).

And, I insist that you watch Vijai Nathan!

Ms. Nathan's impressions of her parent's disapproval will sound familiar to any woman who's ever had a mother or father. And, there are plenty of jokes that appeal to both sexes. She has a way of leading you to a familiar place and then jolting you with a twisted outcome. A perfect example of this is her account of a conversation with her father about a time she once censored her show so that he wouldn't be embarrassed. You'll have to watch to discover her father's sage advice on this one.

Even as Ms. Nathan is making your ears do a double take, she is winning you over with her endearing stage presence, mischievous expressions and expert delivery. I expect that as people discover her talent, we will be seeing a lot more of her on Comedy Central.

Ms. Nathan can hold an audience in the palm of her hand and get the laughs as well as or better than the "big boys." Indeed, it would be justice to see her exposed to a wider audience, perhaps via a Jon Stewart-produced series of her own. After all, the King of Comedy Central always seems to find the best and the brightest talent. What do you say, Jon?"