Review: Cowboys and Hindus Is a Quiet Rebellion in Cowgirl Boots
Unlileky bonding and adaptation unfolds in the wide open spaces of Texas.
'Cowboys and Hindus': An engaging drama short of a sheltered Desi woman expanding her horizons in rural Texas
Cast: Sameer Khan, Priya Deva, Paula Saletnik, Tara Amin, Whitney Abraham, Jehu Ramos, Kassie Hunt
Critic's Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
Director: Tejal Desai
Duration: 16 minutes
Genre: Drama
Language: English
Release: 2025
What's it about?
A Hindu homemaker from suburban America finds herself dropped into the harsh, unfamiliar world of a Texas cattle ranch after her husband’s abrupt decision changes their lives. Isolated and out of place, she crosses paths with a no-nonsense cowgirl who’s fighting her own battles. What unfolds is an unlikely friendship that challenges both women to confront what’s holding them back. Cowboys and Hindus is a quietly compelling short about resilience, identity, and the power of connection across cultural divides.
Review:
Cowboys and Hindus doesn’t rely on dramatic flourishes or overwrought dialogue—it finds its emotional strength in restraint. The film tells the story of two women—Asha (Priya Deva), displaced and disoriented, and Sally (Paula Saletnik), guarded and rooted—whose growing rapport forms the emotional centre of the narrative. Their connection develops not through big declarations but through shared space, unspoken understanding, and the slow trust that forms between opposites.
The storytelling is purposeful but never heavy-handed. Themes of patriarchy, cultural displacement, and personal agency are explored with a soft touch, allowing viewers to engage without feeling lectured. One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to say a lot with very little—especially through visual cues and silences. The presence of Asha’s mother-in-law (Tara Amin) adds another quiet layer of empowerment, suggesting that strength often comes from the margins.
Priya Deva’s performance as Asha borders on being loud at times, particularly in contrast to the film’s otherwise subtle tone—but that may be by design. Her exaggerated discomfort, confusion, and frustration reflect her emotional dislocation in a world that feels completely alien. It’s a bold choice, and while it occasionally risks disrupting the film’s quieter rhythm, it does underline her arc of transformation.
For a short film, Cowboys and Hindus manages to deliver a full emotional journey. It’s not flawless, but it is honest—and that honesty gives it impact. Entertaining yet thoughtful, message-driven without preaching, this is a film that lingers after it ends.
