Entertainment

Coming out - Jimi played by Chris Bisson
Coming out - Jimi played by Chris Bisson

Masala mayhem down Preston way


29/10/2004

THROW in a little bit of spice, some Bollywood music, add an overbearing Asian family, a gay couple and a hot script, stir, and you've got yourself the next British Asian flick - 'Chicken Tikka Masala.'
The debut feature film by Preston based Seven Spice Productions - was premiered at this year's Raindance Film Festival where it has won praise from critics and judges alike.
Conceived and produced by Seven Spice partners, Sanjay Tandon and Rony Ghosh, Chicken Tikka Masala was described by festival director, Elliot Grove as an inspiring example of independent film making.
"We were honoured to be able to screen the film at Raindance," he said,
"The reaction from the audience was extremely favourable. We wish Chicken Tikka Masala great success, and we have no doubt at all that it will achieve it."
Indeed, with a star cast, a fresh, witty script and an entertaining plotline, the film looks set to build on its critical acclaim with genuine popular appeal.
The screenplay was written by 18-year-old Roopesh Parekh. It's subject is the Chopra family from Preston who are celebrating their son, Jimi's success on qualifying as a doctor and his engagement to his Indian bride-to-be Simran. She is perfect in every way except she's a woman, and Jimi already has a true love called Jack!.
With the wedding date set, the house being decorated and relatives, family and friends coming from all points of the compass, the Chopra family, apart from Jimi, has never been happier.
He can't bring himself to break his family's heart nor can he give up Jack.
Fate seems to be on Jimi's side when a series of accidents and misunderstanding leads Simran to believe that Jimi is a father to an eight-year-old girl, Hannah.
Optimistic that things will now change and he will be able to get back to Jack, Jimi makes no attempt to clear the air. As a result his family urge him to marry Hannah 'smother Vanessa who happens to be his landlady.
Mayhem breaks loose and confusion reigns all around. It all ends with the Chopra family welcoming Vanessa into their family.
Said producer Sanjay Tandon: "Chicken Tikka Masala is a film about relationships, about love and living. It portrays different cultures with their nuances and ethos. It deals with race, colour, generation gaps, sexual orientations and family ties.
"It is the melting pot where all the above ingredients when added, creates an unique flavour… love, love which transcends all barriers, issues and differences. It is a film that will have you laughing, crying and cursing, all at the same time."
The film's cast comprises many well known actors including "East Is East" star, Chris Bisson, "Coronation Street's" Jamila Massey and Saeed Jaffrey, who has appeared in many successful features including "Gandhi", "The Man Who Would Be King" and Hanif Kureishi's "My Beautiful Laundrette".
"Working on Chicken Tikka Masala has been a real pleasure," said Chris Bisson, who plays the lead role of the soon-to-be-married Jimi.
"The story itself is funny and challenging, but more than that, it's been really rewarding to make a film that has such a modern take on multi-culturalism and human relationships."
Jimi's somewhat conventional father, Mr Chopra, is played by Saeed Jaffrey, who said: "The film presents Mr Chopra with some extremely difficult issues - and it is always very interesting to play someone who is struggling with his conscience. Mr Chopra's traditional attitudes come into direct conflict with the realities of modern life, and one of the story's pivotal issues rests on his ability to come to terms with change.
"It was also very gratifying to be part of such a strong cast, which was made all the stronger by the presence of Zohra Segal - a wonderful actress who has played my mother in many previous films. She came over from India especially for the role and I was absolutely thrilled to be working with her again."
The film is due to have its official premiere at the Guild Hall Theatre in Preston soon. More information about Chicken Tikka Masala can be found on the film's new website - www.ctm-feature.com


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