Shameless star Chris in new Brit-Asian flick

Chicken Tikka Masala, a new British film comedy which follows a gay Asian man and his efforts to avoid an arranged marriage is set for release across the UK on 22nd April.

An independently produced film, shot in the North West of England, Chicken Tikka Masala stars Chris Bisson (Shameless, East Is East) and Peter Ash (Footballer?s Wives) as the hapless lovers, while the traditionally minded father of the groom is played by Saeed Jaffrey OBE (My Beautiful Laundrette, Gandhi). Also starring are Sally Bankes (Little Britain, Fat Friends) and Zohra Segal (Bhaji on the Beach, Jewel in the Crown).

Chicken Tikka Masala follows the fortunes of the Chopra family of Preston as they arrange for their only son Jimi (Chris Bisson) to become engaged to Simran, a pretty, well-educated girl from a respectable Indian family. Simran is perfect in every way but there?s one major problem, Jimi is in love with someone else?his boyfriend Jack!

Chicken Tikka Masala is a comedy of errors, examining relationships and love that rise above issues of culture, age and sexuality and see no boundaries. Directed by Harmage Singh Kalirai, the film is produced by Lancashire-based filmmakers Sanjay Tandon and Rony Ghosh and is written by 18-year old Roopesh Parekh who between them have created an entertaining collision of cultures.

Says actor Chris Bisson, who plays the reluctant groom, Jimi: ?The story itself is very funny. But it?s also very challenging because it looks at a subject rarely presented in cinema. The film shows the real dilemma facing a young man who is trying to balance familial duties against his own happiness.?

Saeed Jaffrey plays Mr. Chopra, Jimi?s father: ?The film presents Mr. Chopra with some very difficult issues. His 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.?

Chicken Tikka Masala was the opening feature at Kinofilm, Manchester?s 9th International Short Film Festival, which started on 21st February, and was also invited to be screened at the Sydney, Australia, Mardi Gras Film Festival. Followings its screening at the Raindance Film Festival it was nominated for a British Independent Film Award.