A Tale of Love, Culture, and Second Chances: When Opposites Attract

Love has no borders—just a few speed bumps.

written by Jayoti Mazumder

What happens when two people from opposite worlds collide at the most inconvenient time? When Opposites Attract is not just a rom-com; it’s a heartfelt journey that blends laughter, culture, and the age-old question of whether love is enough when life pulls you in different directions.

Set against the vibrant backdrops of New Delhi and Boston, this story masterfully brings together Avi Kapoor, a dreamer from India who rebels against his family’s ambitions, and Sashi Gupta, a no-nonsense Indian-American accountant laser-focused on climbing the corporate ladder. Their worlds couldn’t be more different—Avi’s life is a swirling canvas of colors and art, while Sashi’s is neatly charted spreadsheets and calculated moves.

But fate has other plans. After a pair of life-changing accidents, their paths converge in a rehabilitation center in Baltimore, where sparks fly—though not the romantic kind at first. What begins as biting banter slowly evolves into an enchanting dance of emotions. The writer, Jaclyn S. Powell, weaves the story with delicate precision, balancing cultural nuances, familial expectations, and the universal struggle of following one’s heart.

The Magic of the Script

The beauty of When Opposites Attract lies in its authenticity. Powell doesn’t just give us a love story—she crafts a tapestry of emotions, grounded in the dichotomy of tradition versus modernity. Avi’s free-spirited artistry contrasts with Sashi’s rigid plans, creating a chemistry that’s as unpredictable as it is endearing. Through poignant dialogue and playful moments (Parchisi, anyone?), their connection blooms organically, showcasing the power of love to transform perspectives and lives.
The script also takes readers on a visual feast. From the bustling streets of India to Boston’s corporate buzz, every scene is vividly painted, immersing us in the characters’ worlds. Powell’s knack for weaving humor into serious moments ensures the story never takes itself too seriously—just like love itself.

Ratings

Concept/Originality: 7/10
The concept effectively reimagines a well-loved premise within the Indian context, introducing a unique blend of cultural conflicts, arranged marriage dilemmas, and personal ambitions.
Structure: 8/10
The screenplay is well-structured, with clear demarcations for acts, a coherent flow of events, and an engaging progression of character arcs. The transition between the protagonists’ lives and their eventual meeting is fluid and thoughtfully crafted.
Plot: 7/10
The plot integrates humor, romance, and drama effectively, though some story elements feel predictable. The clash between tradition and modernity is compelling, but a few subplots (e.g., Sashi’s disinterest in her heritage) could be explored further for greater depth.
Pacing: 6/10
The pacing fluctuates, with some scenes feeling overly drawn-out—especially the hospital and rehabilitation segments—while others, like the climax of Sashi’s arrival in India, feel rushed. Maintaining a more consistent rhythm would enhance the viewing experience.
Characters: 8/10
The characters are vividly drawn, with Avi and Sashi offering dynamic and relatable personalities. Avi’s artistic aspirations and Sashi’s independence are well-established, but supporting characters, such as Avi’s family, occasionally fall into stereotypes.
Dialogue: 7/10
The dialogue strikes a good balance between cultural authenticity and accessibility for a broader audience. There are moments of wit and emotional resonance, but some lines, particularly in heated exchanges, lean towards melodrama.

Why You’ll Fall in Love

Cultural Kaleidoscope:

The narrative seamlessly blends Indian traditions with Western modernity, offering a rich, cross-cultural perspective.

Relatable Characters

Avi and Sashi aren’t just characters; they’re reflections of anyone who’s ever battled expectations to follow their dreams.

Romantic Realism

Forget fairytale perfection—this story revels in the messy, beautiful reality of love.

With its witty dialogue, heartfelt emotions, and an unforgettable love story, When Opposites Attract is a perfect reminder that love isn’t about finding someone who completes you—it’s about finding someone who challenges you to grow.

So, buckle up for this rollercoaster of romance, culture, and self-discovery. Will Avi and Sashi choose love, or will life’s demands pull them apart? Only time—and a trip to India—will tell.

Writer Biography

About Writer

A former litigation trial coordinator, Jaclyn excelled at crafting winning legal arguments. Tired of jousting with invisible corporate masterminds, Jaclyn moved to NYC to take on the world through screenwriting and filmmaking. Jaclyn wrote and directed over 10 short films in two years, winning awards with her first short script, and has two feature film scripts placing in the festival circuit.

Writer Statement

When Opposites Attract was inspired by one of my filmmaking classmates, an Indian from India, and his wife, an Indian from New Jersey. While we were working on our short films for class, Simrat and his wife told me how they met and, shazam! When Opposites Attract was born – a fully formed story with only the details missing!