London Indian Film Festival

Indian cinema continues to flourish in the UK, accounting for approximately two per cent of annual box office takings.

However, there is much more to the country’s artistic output than Bollywood song and dance spectaculars. The Third London Indian Film Festival showcases the work of some of the country’s hottest independent talents.

Maverick Mumbai director Anurag Kashyap opens proceedings with his crime thriller Gangs Of Wasseypur, while Srijit Mukherji’s gripping whodunit Baishey Shrabon ensures nails are bitten to the cuticle on closing night.

In between there are stylish and provocative features from every genre. Variety is truly the spice of this festival’s life.

As part of the festival Queens! Destiny of Dance will be screened at the BFI on June 23. The film is set in a palace of beautiful drag queens but treachery abounds when head drag queen Ammu takes a beautiful new girl under her wing.

All hell breaks loose when Ammu switches her affections from her ageing favourite Mukta to new ‘girl’ Nandini, who is not only more beautiful and younger than Mukta, but also a better dancer.

Join DJ Ritu (Club Kali) in the benugo lounge after the screening for some trans-bollywood beats in the bar.

London Indian Film Festival
June 20 – July 3
Cineworld Haymarket and various venues
63-65 Haymarket, SW1Y 4LR
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
Tickets
londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk