One of the most poignant Indian films of modern times ‘Patiala House’, a family drama that speaks of the cross-generational conflicts that arise from migration, has begun filming in London. Set in the Capital, ‘Patiala House’ transcends ages, racial barriers and backgrounds, dealing with issues that resonate universally with today’s multicultural society – a story about family ties and duty, a yearning to follow one’s dreams, and trying to make sense of the dichotomies that life presents when one’s family has migrated to another land.

Nikhil Advani (Kal Ho Na Ho, Salaam E Ishq) directs the affecting tale of a son trying to navigate his own way through life with Indian superstar Akshay Kumar leading the cast. An accomplished actor, Kumar juggles the contradictory role of a shop keeper from Southall respecting his traditionalist father, played by veteran of Indian cinema Rishi Kapoor, while pursuing his dream to play cricket for England.

Kumar delivers the performance of a lifetime and is joined by a stellar cast of co-stars including rising star, Anushka Sharma, veteran actress Dimple Kapadia, and British-Asian rapper, Hard Kaur. The film also features cricketers from the India, England, Australia and Pakistan teams including three former England Captains David Gower, Nasser Hussain and John Emburey, Andrew Symonds, Simon Katich and Pakistani wicket keeper Kamran Akmal.

Set against the colourful and world-famous backdrop of Southall with its rich flavors and atmosphere, ‘Patiala House’ stands amidst the solid foundations of the local, Indian ‘desi’ community who will fight with their hearts to make their dreams a reality, and who aspire to make anything happen. With 80 per cent of the film set in England, filming has taken place in locations such as Oval, Lords and Nottingham Trent Bridge cricket grounds, Covent Garden, Harrow and Southall, as well as in Mumbai where Southall’s infamous Broadway has been recreated, detail for detail.