HANK AND ASHA – The Review

Review by Kathy Kaiser

As we step deep into the twenty-first century, we meet Asha (Mahira Kakkar), who is studying film in Prague and who has decided to reach out via video – what else would a film student do? – To the maker of a fantastic film she has just viewed named Hank (Andrew Pastides).

Intrigued by this young woman who has sent him a video message, Hank returns the message as the two of them keep in touch via video, learning more and more about one another as the weeks pass by.

Asha is incredibly beautiful, and Hank seems to be mesmerized by her beauty and their similar interests, even though they are thousands of miles apart. Hank becomes so invested in this “video relationship” that he ends up sending a ticket to Paris to Asha, as she shared that Paris it someplace she has always wanted to go in one of her messages.

Surprised by this sweet and unexpected gift, Asha contemplates meeting Hank in Paris when the time is right for both of them. Asha begins to realize that she too is beginning to have feelings for the sweet and adorable American, as she impatiently waits for his next video message to arrive.

When it seems that the time has come for them to proceed with their plan to join one another in Paris, Asha is forced to reveal to Hank that she is already engaged through an arranged marriage that her parents secured before she left for film school.

Hank is crushed to hear this news, as he has become quite fond of Asha, and is sure she is the one for him.

Things begin to turn upside down as Hank is trying to convince Asha that she needs to be with him, which places Asha in an awful predicament as she knows that moving forward will disappoint her entire family, as they have already chosen a young man for her….

Will Hank and Asha finally meet face-to-face in Paris? Will Hank convince Asha that their video messaging romance is real and that he is the perfect guy for her? Or will Asha have to end their relationship, knowing that she cannot, and will not shame her family, by continuing this love affair….

I give HANK AND ASHA 4 out of 5 stars: Writer, Producer and Director James E Duff did a fantastic job with this beautifully written film. The cinematography is absolutely mesmerizing, so bravo to the cinematographer too! Kakkar and Pastides are perfect together, as they video chat their way into each other’s hearts, bringing a depth of realism to this film with their raw and engaging performances. I am sure that both are on their way to being superstars, as they were truly superb. Duff nailed this betrayal of cyber-relationships and how intense and messy they can become. If you are wanting to see a film that is genuine from beginning to end, then catch HANK AND ASHA – it’s a must see!

HANK AND ASHA is available on DVD and Streaming – for details, go to the film’s site HERE
http://www.hankandasha.com/