Marigold

ECHO BRIDGE
Street: July 29
Prebook: July 1
> Ali Larter will help Bollywood rom-com cross the cultural divide.

Ali Larter's blond tresses and luminous skin glow in this low-key romantic comedy set in Goa and Bombay with a cast of Bollywood veterans, including Indian superstar Salman Khan. Larter is Marigold, a B-list actress who stumbles into a role in a new Bollywood musical. While on location, she falls for Prem (Khan), the doe-eyed choreographer, who also is smitten with her, unaware that a third-reel complication will threaten their relationship. This colorful, music-filled production manages to successfully combine a reverential look at Indian musicals with light American comedy. And Larter makes the most of her star turn.

Shelf Talk: Larter's Heroes fanbase will snap up this limited theatrical release as it showcases her singing, dancing and acting chops. And Bollywood fans will be interested in seeing Khan, actress Nandana Sen and the host of other familiar Indian character actors who populate the story. Also, the elaborate dance pieces, standard in any Bollywood production, are celebrated, not denigrated (as could be expected in an American production). The $14.99 price point doesn't hurt either.