Filmmaker Prarthana Mohan and writer Nikita Lalwani are championing a shift in Hollywood’s portrayal of Indian stories with their latest rom-com, ‘Picture This’, starring Simone Ashley and Hero Finnes Tiffin. Unlike many other past projects, this film offers a refreshing and lighthearted universal rom-com experience without a stereotypical lens. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the director and her writer spill the beans on Hollywood’s evolving landscape and the need for more authentic, fun portrayals of Indian characters while checking off the ‘representation’ box.
Highlighting the need for Hollywood to do more in offering Indians and people of colour enjoyable, stereotype-free stories, director Prarthana Mohan acknowledged the progress made but stressed that there is still a long way to go. “We want this film to feel universal because anyone can relate to it. At the same time, there are little things for the community—elements that will be fun and meaningful for those who understand them while also being educational for others.”
She also highlighted the fluid nature of identity, particularly for Indians living abroad. “You navigate different spaces, and this contrast becomes even more pronounced outside your home country. We wanted to capture that in a way that feels authentic and organic.”
Nikita further elaborated on Hollywood’s shift in perspective, saying, “The great reckoning now is about presenting different forms of being South Asian without reducing them to a stereotype. We’ve had colourblind casting, but what happens when you present yourself in all of your multifarious glory? It’s messy and beautiful.”
When asked if star-power still propels projects in the West, Prarthana acknowledged the influence saying, “Yes, star power 100% propels projects. We just need to make more stars of people we want to see. A movie like this needs support from the South Asian community so we can get more stories like this.”
According to the latest reports, the film is now the number 1 movie on the streaming platform Prime Video, since its release on Friday, March 7.
When asked about several Indian talents crossing over into Hollywood, she praised actors like Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Tabu for breaking barriers with their film and television choices. “It’s great to see our Indian female actors making a splash in different ways—whether as leads or character actors,” the director said. It must be noted that while Priyanka is starring in several Hollywood projects like ‘The Bluff’ and ‘Heads of State’, she is also playing the lead in the spy series ‘Citadel’. Alia, on the other hand, made her Hollywood debut with the OTT film ‘Heart Of Stone’ and Tabu featured in an important role in the web series ‘Dune: Prophacy’.
Mohan highlighted “Simone is doing amazing things. Her in Bridgerton was so incredible and it did a lot for South Asian women. I think seeing yourself on screen like this character is in itself so interesting. So I think it’s a very exciting time for actors.”
However, she admitted that while progress is being made, “Are we there yet? No. We have a long way to go.”
Nikita expressed excitement for India’s emerging talent that won recognition during Hollywood’s awards season. She said, “I loved All We Imagine is Light—such an incredible film with stunning performances. The Polite Society was also brilliant, kooky, fun, and artistic all at once. I see new talent emerging that will make their mark.”
Picture This is a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a British-Indian wedding. The story follows Pia (Simone), a struggling photographer who receives a prediction promising both true love and career success—within her next five dates.