UK film fest beats lockdown blues with Bollywood Drive-In fun

The Tongues on Fire UK Asian Film Festival in partnership with The Bollywood Company will be beating the coronavirus lockdown blues with an audience interaction-based set of Drive-In screenings of the contemporary Indian cinema box-office hit ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’.

At the Bollywood Drive-In shows in the Hertfordshire countryside of southern England, Bollywood fans will have the chance to enjoy the modern, cult classic on the outdoor, big screen, hosted by open-air cinema provider, High Rise Projections. 

The innovative, drive-in cinematic project, conceptualised by the UK Asian Film Festival and BollyCo, will meet the UK government’s social distancing requirements, with a venue capacity of 60 cars per day. Parking spaces will be allocated on arrival at the venue.  Soft drinks and cocktails will be served by London’s premier mobile cocktail bar and mixologists, Azure Bar Events; popcorn and snacks will be available; and Indian street food will be served by Exclusive Caterers. 

The evening will commence with a live DJ Welcome Set by DJ Shraii, BBC Asian Network presenter and Tour DJ for Arjun Artist and others. The live entertainment line-up will also comprise a socially distanced, flash mob dance performance by The Bollywood Company. For the film screening, vehicles will be provided with audio packs to listen in, car sizes maximum 4×4. 

Directed by one of Indian cinema’s most prolific female filmmakers, Zoya Akhtar, and distributed by Eros International, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ went on to become a seminal classic after its theatrical release in 2011. With an ensemble cast featuring Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin, the buddy road trip movie is a worldwide commercial success and garnered critical acclaim for its performances, story, music, writing and direction. After its theatrical run, the film was nominated for and won several awards, including two National Film Awards.

Due to popular demand, two evenings have been slotted in for the unique, outdoor cinematic experience at Ponsbourne Park, The Drive, Newgate Street Village, Hertford, on July 10 and July 11.

*Info: Bollywood Drive-In