'ABCD' MAKES THE GRADE.

Byline: Glenn Whipp Film Critic

``ABCD'' stands for American-Born Confused Desi, which is not to be confused with ``American Desi,'' a movie that came out in March and apparently caused ``ABCD'' to change its title and grab onto its acronym. Both movies are about conflicted Indian Americans (Desi is slang describing anyone from India living somewhere else in the world) trying to straddle two cultures and ending up feeling dislocated from both.

But while ``American Desi'' was content to be a light romantic comedy, ``ABCD'' manages to be both funny and a poignant character study. You certainly don't have to be Indian to identify with the people in the movie, although a certain befuddlement over life's big questions would probably help sustain your enjoyment.

``ABCD'' follows the adult offspring of Anju (Madhur Jaffrey), a widow living in New Jersey who has never fully reconciled herself to coming to the States. On the surface, her two children couldn't seem more opposite. Nina (Sheetal Sheth) rebels against her Indian heritage, promiscuously sleeping with almost every man she meets - provided he's not Indian. Raj (Faran Tahir), meanwhile, is the dutiful son, agreeing to an arranged marriage with a proper Indian woman and devoting himself to moving up the corporate ladder in an accounting firm.

However, things aren't quite what they seem with either Nina or Raj. After meeting Ashok (Aasif Mandvi), a childhood friend from Bombay, Nina is forced to concede that there are things about her family's traditions that she likes. And Raj, passed over for a promotion, meets an attractive co-worker (Jennifer Dorr White), prompting him to examine why he keeps prolonging his engagement. (It has been two years.)

Director Krutin Patel, who co-wrote ``ABCD'' with James McManus, keeps his characters' attitudes and ambitions completely ambiguous all the way through the film's unsettling ending, which is about as honest a finale as you'll ever see in a movie about relationships. The film also cuts through cultural stereotypes with a frankness and wit that's impossible not to embrace. It's easy to see why ``ABCD'' has been a favorite on the film festival circuit for more than a year. Check it out while you can.

``ABCD''

(Not rated: language, sexual situations)

The stars: Madhur Jaffrey, Faran Tahir, Sheetal Sheth, Aasif Mandvi.

Behind the scenes: Directed by Krutin Patel. Screenplay by Patel and James McManus.

Running time: One hour, 45 minutes.

Playing: Pacific's Northridge Cinemas; Laemmle's Sunset 5 in West Hollywood; Regal Cinemas in Diamond Bar.

Our rating: Three and one half stars

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Madhur Jaffrey stars in ``ABCD,'' a light comedy of identity from India.