Amar Akbar & Tony: Matthew Lewis, Meera Syal and Nikesh Patel step out for desi-inspired premiere

British Asian filmmaker Atul Malhotra’s debut feature film Amar Akbar & Tony lit up London with a glamorous desi-inspired premiere at London’s Cineworld Haymarket.

Stars including Rez Kempton, Martin Delaney, Karen David and Laura Aikman as well as the stars of Sky’s popular Desi Rascals were greeted by a Punjabi beat as they walked the red carpet.

Speaking at the event, the director, Atul Malhotra said: "Amar Akbar & Tony is a film with British humour and an Indian heart. You can almost smell the curries and share the swagger of the protagonists lives."

The film, based in the multicultural areas of Southall and Hounslow, was inspired by the 1970s comedy Amar Akbar Anthony starring Indian screen legend Amitabh Bachchan.

Showcasing British Asian talent, the film explores the journey of three friends separated by circumstance who overcome the societal pressures facing young people in London today.

The soundtrack, a masterful reworking of classic Indian film songs, was composed by the well known, London based music producer Rishi Rich.

Amar Akbar & Tony is set for release on April 17.