Heartbeats

Heartbeats is a 2017 romantic drama film directed by Duane Adler and starring Krystal Ellsworth, Amitash Pradhan, and Daphne Zuniga. The movie follows the story of Kelli (Krystal Ellsworth), a young dancer who travels to India with her family to attend a wedding. While there, she meets Aseem (Amitash Pradhan), a handsome and talented singer, and the two quickly fall in love. However, their relationship is challenged by cultural differences and family expectations.

Kelli is an aspiring dancer who comes from a family of accomplished performers. Her parents, Lisa (Daphne Zuniga) and James (Paul McGillion), are both professional musicians, while her younger brother, Quinn (Justin Chon), is a talented drummer. When Kelli travels to India with her family for her cousin's wedding, she sees it as an opportunity to connect with her roots and explore a new culture.

At the wedding, Kelli sees Aseem perform and is immediately drawn to him. Although they come from different worlds, they share a passion for music and dance. As they spend more time together, their connection deepens, and they start to fall in love.

However, Kelli's family disapproves of their relationship, believing that she should be with someone from a similar background. Lisa is particularly vocal about her concerns, worrying that Kelli will be disowned by the family if she continues to pursue Aseem. Quinn, on the other hand, is supportive of his sister's relationship, and tries to help her navigate the cultural divide.

As Kelli and Aseem try to make their relationship work, they encounter a number of obstacles, both internal and external. Kelli struggles to reconcile her love for Aseem with her loyalty to her family, while Aseem has to confront his own fears and insecurities. Meanwhile, outside forces threaten to tear them apart, including jealous rivals and meddling relatives.

Heartbeats is a visually stunning film that takes viewers on a journey through the vibrant colors and sounds of India. The music, which ranges from classical Indian ragas to contemporary pop songs, is an integral part of the story, and the dance sequences are both breathtaking and emotionally charged.

The performances by the cast are strong, particularly Krystal Ellsworth, who brings a depth and vulnerability to her portrayal of Kelli. Her chemistry with Amitash Pradhan is also palpable, and the two have a natural and believable relationship on screen. Daphne Zuniga is also noteworthy as Lisa, bringing a complexity to her character that makes her more than just a one-dimensional obstacle to Kelli's happiness.

Overall, Heartbeats is a heartfelt and engaging film that explores the complexities of love and cultural identity. It is a celebration of the transformative power of music and dance, as well as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the things that divide us can ultimately bring us closer together.