Quarterlife

Rege debuts with an intelligent if overlong meditation on the rise of Indian nationalism in 2014. Naren Agashe, a thriving Wall Street consultant, returns home to Mumbai after eight years in the U.S., despite having recently secured a green card. He believes the future lies in India, thanks to promises from the Hindu nationalist Bharat Party to end corruption and deliver jobs. Accompanying Naren is a college acquaintance, Amanda, who’s set to teach in a Muslim-majority slum. In Mumbai, Amanda becomes involved in a “situationship” with Naren’s younger brother, Rohit, a charming filmmaker. As Amanda contends with culture shock and India’s income inequity, she’s bothered by Rohit’s inability to acknowledge his privilege. Then Rohit befriends Omkar, a Bharat supporter, and despite disapproval from many of his friends, he agrees to produce Omkar’s film on Ganeshotsav, a festival notorious for sparking tension and violence between Hindus and Muslims. Rege gamely tackles India’s caste system and the elites’ blasé response to the rising threat to minorities under the Bharat Party, though her tendency to deliver ideas via lengthy dialogue can make the characters feel wooden. Still, she pulls off some beautiful and kaleidoscopic set pieces, such as her depiction of Ganeshotsav. Readers will want to keep an eye out for what Rege does next. Agent: Maria Cardona Serra, Aevitas Creative Management. (Sept.)