Sanskari Sweetheart

Groundhog Day mechanics get a Bollywood spin in this lively rom-com by Devarajan (Kismat Connection). Indian American teen Raina Iyer is determined to win a national Bollywood dance competition scholarship. It’s the only way Raina can think to prove to her mother—who wants Raina to pursue a “realistic” career in the sciences—that she can have a successful career in dance. But Murphy’s Law prevails at the competition: Aditya Kumar, her boyfriend of four years and dance team cocaptain, breaks up with her, and Raina sustains a head injury mid-performance after the pair’s choreography crumbles. When, the next morning, Raina notices that the previous day’s events are repeating, she’s resigned to relive the humiliating—and heartbreaking—events. Upon shifting her perspective, though, she realizes she’s been given another chance: to dance, to secure the scholarship, and to reconcile with Aditya. Raina’s richly drawn character arc—including her raw emotional journey from rigid perfectionism to a more vulnerable, self-accepting internal peace—is the star of the show. Exciting depictions of competitive dance as well as Raina and Aditya’s sparkling chemistry further propel this charming romp. Ages 13–up. (May)