For Here or To Go Explores Hardships of an Expiring Visa

Posted on: May 4, 2017 by: Deshvidesh

For Here or To Go

Explores Hardships of
an Expiring Visa

For here or To Go is a story based on the experience of a software engineer from India whose visa is about to expire. The film explores his visa struggles in the United States and follows the process he takes for visa renewal. While the movie has a strong story, the plot at times stalls. For Here or To Go is a timely film based on the current immigration issues within the United States.

The story revolves around software engineer Vivek (played by Ali Fazal) who works in Silicon Valley on a H-1B visa. Having worked several years in the industry, he finds life to have become boring and monotonous. One day, he lands a job offer from a healthcare start up company and finds the work stimulating and engaging. The story takes a twist when recruiters realize that his visa expires within a year and suddenly his offer vanishes. What follows next are a series of struggles, turmoil, love, romance, advice and an ardent interest on Vivek’s part to stay in the US.

The film’s story is based on the varied experiences of Indians struggling to survive in the US with an expiring visa. In addition to Vivek’s troubles, the film follows the legal experiences of his friends played by Omi Vaidya, Samrat Chakrabarti and Amitosh Nagpal.

It is undoubtedly one of the freshest looks at this hot-button topic, but with an added aspect of humanity. Though the storyline is easily relatable, at times the movie stalls. The complexities of visa renewal and the presence of the lead actress adds some gravity to the story. Vivek’s girlfriend’s father, played by Rajit Kapur, interjects with advice of returning to India, a question with which Vivek struggles to find an answer

Shot in Northern California, the film’s director, Rucha Humnabadkar aims to send a strong message. While the narrative at times feels heavy and complex, the film does highlight the struggles many Indians face as immigrants living in the current political climate in the US. From assimilating in your adopted country to wondering if your talents are better served in your homeland, For Here or To Go offers audiences a modern look at immigration in the US.

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