A Bolton film producer’s South Asian romantic comedy has hit cinema screens in the UK.
Bolton-based producer Dominique Unsworth's romantic comedy Little English has been screening in cinemas since March 17, as part of a nationwide release and tour following successful showings on the festival circuit last year.
Directed By Pravesh Kumar, starring a mostly British South Asian cast, it marks the big screen debut for the stars and romantic leads, Rameet Rauli and Viraj Juneja, who are supported by an stars like Ameet Chana, Goldy Notay and Sanjeev Kohli.
Set in Slough, Punjabi newlywed Simmy unexpectedly faces disappointment when her British Asian husband does a runner on their wedding night.
With just a basic grasp of English she is hounded by her kooky in-laws, and unable to leave the house, she finds an unlikely ally in her wayward brother-in-law, Harry, and a secret romance blossoms.
Produced by Dominique, who has recently set up a production company in Bolton called Parity Pictures, the feel-good film is based on Pravesh Kumar’s hit 2007 play There’s Something about Simmy, and features an original title track.
She said: "I really can't beleive that we have managed to get our little film onto the big screen and I am so proud to be personally screening it in Bolton."
The film had a special one-off screening with the filmmakers at The Light cinema in Market Halls, Bolton, on Monday, March 2, and will now be seen across the country for the rest of the week at select Cineworld and Vue cinemas including the Printworks in Manchester.
Actor Rameet Rauli said: “What really appealed to me when reading this script was how refreshing it was.
“Simmy was no damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. She was strong, feisty and her own hero, who finds her own feet and paves her own way.
“Her journey was very interesting - going from a young girl whose decisions are always made for her by everyone else to slowly learning to stand her ground and make her own decisions about her life, she realises that it’s ok to be independent and free.”
The UK tour is supported by the British Film Institute, and funds from the National Lottery.
It follows a successful run on the festival circuit, having premiered at the London Indian Film Festival and won the audience choice award for the Best Narrative Feature at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival last year.
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