Dr. Cabbie 2014

An Indian doctor, Deepak Chopra (Vinay Virmani), leaves his homeland in search of a brighter future in Canada, despite his wife Nellie (Lillete Dubey) advising against it. She fears that he is leaving to serve others in a foreign land, but Deepak believes that the essence of helping people knows no borders. Settling in Toronto, he stays with his uncle Vijay (Rizwan Manji) and his mother, Nellie. Vijay’s wife, Rani (Mircea Monroe), adds a touch of Canadian warmth to their household, as Vijay runs a traditional Indian restaurant in the bustling city.

Deepak finds himself constrained by a bureaucratic system that relegates him to a taxi-driving position instead of practicing medicine. Although Canada is short of doctors, he faces obstacles due to his Indian medical qualifications not being recognized. He is forced to re-enter medical school to practice in Canada and ends up taking menial jobs in nursing and massage therapy instead.

During his aimless wandering, he meets fellow taxi driver Toni (Kunal Nayyar), and they forge a close friendship. To support himself, Deepak takes up a waiting job at his uncle’s restaurant but soon becomes frustrated with the treatment from customers, eventually quitting. Toni encourages him to embrace his role as a cab driver while he awaits better opportunities. Deepak’s love interest, Simone (Isabel Kaif), remains a poignant aspect of his life.

The cab company owner, Pete (Stephen McHattie), shares heavy news of his lung cancer with Deepak, instilling a sense of urgency for Deepak to find his place in the new world. With his determination, Deepak begins offering medical advice to his taxi passengers, becoming a source of comfort and assistance. An unexpected twist occurs when he delivers a baby for passenger Natalie Wilman (Adrianne Palicki) in his cab during a torrential downpour. This extraordinary event garners him viral fame, and he assists in naming the newborn Ganesh.

As Deepak continues to help his passengers, his relationship with Natalie blossoms, with her using her legal expertise to support his dreams. Deepak’s skills lead to a significant boost in Pete’s business, who shows gratitude by giving Deepak custom license plates that read “Dr Cabbie.” Amidst saving lives and providing prescriptions, Deepak finds himself deeply invested in Natalie’s life. However, complications arise when Natalie’s past with Colin (Chris Diamantopoulos), a prominent politician’s son, resurfaces, challenging their budding relationship.

Colin seeks to manipulate Natalie, threatening their unstable happiness, and Deepak’s world turns upside down when he is arrested for practicing medicine illegally, an act orchestrated by Colin to distress Natalie. In a turn of events, Natalie courageously decides to defend Deepak in court, showcasing testimonies from Deepak’s patients who claim his efforts saved their lives. Ultimately, although he avoids deportation, Deepak is sentenced to community service.

Fast forward two years, and Deepak is finally a certified doctor while Natalie is expecting their child, marking a new chapter filled with hope and promise for the couple. Deepak Chopra’s journey reflects not just the struggles of an immigrant but also the resilience of love and the pursuit of one’s dreams against the odds.