Amar Akbar & Tony, an independent production by writer/director Atul Malhotra, is a comedy drama with a highly original plotline and cleverly developed script that embodies and depicts the unique and vibrant landscape of London.
The title alludes to the 1970s’ Bollywood classic Amar Akbar Anthony and revolves around the strong bond of friendship bordering on brotherhood between the three main characters. But that is where the similarities with the Bollywood film ends. Amar, Akbar & Tony is a real coming of age drama that celebrates the inclusiveness of British culture.
(L-R) Amar (Rez Kempton), Akbar (Sam Vincenti), Tony (Martin Delaney)
Martin Delaney (Zero Dark Thirty, Flags of Our Fathers) plays Tony; Rez Kempton (Merchant Ivory’s Mystic Masseur, Spooks) plays Amar; and Sam Vincenti (Waking The Dead, Alfie) plays Akbar. Their characters will give the audience a full gamut of emotions while it poses the question, will their friendship survive that roller coaster that we call life?
The film also features Laura Aikman as Samantha – an attractive jobbing actress who has visions of hitting the big time but settles for small theatre roles in the meantime. Unlike her character, Laura is a familiar face on the big and small screen, where she has been appearing since childhood, on shows such as Casualty, and as Rosie, Keith Lemon’s Geordie girlfriend, in Keith Lemon: The Movie.
In addition, the multi-talented actress/singer-songwriter Karen David – best known for Waterloo Road and the Hollywood blockbuster, The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior. Karen plays Meera, an attractive young woman who arrives from India as a new bride. On the surface things seem fine but her marriage is far from happy and despite the odds, Meera struggles on, resulting in a surprising turn of events.
Goldy Notay who is best known for her work in Gurinder Chadha’s It’s A Wonderful Afterlife plays Sonia – Amar’s flirtatious and wayward sister. Although her reputation often precedes her, deep down Sonia is the family-orientated girl-next-door with a heart of gold.
The supporting cast features cameo appearances by favourites Meera Syal, Nina Wadia and Ace Bhatti (EastEnders), alongside Amrita Acharia, who has most recently been seen in the epic fantasy drama Game of Thrones, and Shide Boss, the British-Asian singer/songwriter who turned professional after winning Channel 4’s Hollyoaks Unsigned Music Show.
Director Malhotra’s vision is to represent London culture and explore all its complexities. “My vision is to portray on film, the self-assuredness and determination of the multicultural youth of today. There have been so many portrayals of Asian people wanting to escape from their cultural heritage, but I wanted to explore the contrasting angle. The film will embrace the vibrancy and distinctiveness of this influential culture and will wear its Asian heart proudly on its sleeve. My film is a celebration of the bonds that tie us together through friendship, love, loss and ultimately redemption.”
Victoria Wood (Svengali, Queens Of The Cage) produces for Sash Media Productions, UK.
Filmed on location in and around London and in particular on the famous streets of Southall, home to a thriving and successful Asian community, the film aims to appeal to a wide-ranging audience attracting the forward-thinking, modern generation of film fans across cultural boundaries throughout the UK and worldwide.
