My new film a naughtier cousin of `Bend it like Beckham`: Chadha

London: Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha says her upcoming comedy film `It`s A Wonderful Afterlife` is a "naughtier cousin" of her popular football flick `Bend It Like Beckham`.

Chadha recently hosted a premiere of `It`s A Wonderful Afterlife` which was attended by the glitterati of the British Asian film and music industry at London`s famous Leicester Square. The 50-year-old-filmmaker said, "People always ask me to do another Bend It Like Beckham. I would say It`s a Wonderful Afterlife is like its naughtier cousin!" Stars of the film Sendhil Ramamurthy of `Heroes` fame, newcomer Goldy Notay, Jimi Mistry and BAFTA-nominated Sanjeev Bhaskar welcomed the large crowds, while Dhol players and Asian dancers featured in the film led an entertaining procession along the red carpet. Goldy, who wowed the crowd with her stunning figure said, "This was a great film to be a part of, even though I had to put on a lot of weight to play my character! We had a fantastic time making the film and that really shows on screen." "This is a film about love, comedy, and ultimately it`s a fun film. Women can really relate to Roopi and her journey to find Mr Right," she added. The film is about Mrs Sethi played by veteran actress Shabana Azmi, a serial curry killer whose match-making efforts turn sinister when she attempts to find a suitor for her daughter, Roopi (Goldy Notay). The film also includes an array of stars, including Ray Panthaki, Preeya Kalidas, Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins and BAFTA-nominated Zoe Wanamaker. It also reunites the cast of `Bend It Like Beckham` including Shaheen Khan, Ash Varrez and Adlyn Ross. The film will be released in cinemas across the UK on April 21. PTI