It’s A Wrap On
SWEET AMERIKA

"SWEET AMERIKA Ready To Premiere

The emotional and heartfelt drama on immigrants in the US, set around the time of 9/11 and written and directed by award winning Vancouver-based journalist R. Paul Dhillon, stars well known Bollywood star Gulshan Grover and is produced by Vancouver-based businessman and South Asian arts-impresario Bobby Nagra. VANCOUVER, CANADA – Canadian writer/director R. Paul Dhillon’s debut feature film finished post production on June 15th and will make a debut at festivals this fall.

Set in New York City, SWEET AMERIKA is the moving story of Sikh shop owner Balbir “Bobby” Singh (Gulshan Grover), an American citizen who is kidnapped and tortured by a hateful and misguided gang of men who seek reprisals following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

This film is a probing portrait of immigrant life in America that follows Bobby on his journey to find and preserve his piece of the American dream in a world where concepts like “freedom” and “democracy” seem to stand on shaky ground.

Still mourning the loss of his wife and son, Bobby finds new hope in Mina (Sian Sladen), a young, vibrant Muslim woman. Although opposed by the Sikh community, Bobby’s love for Mina holds the key to reviving his broken spirit.

As Bobby is held captive, the days leading up to his abduction flash before us in a richly woven narrative, full of the joys and sorrows of life in America.

Will Bobby survive the night and escape the “terrorists” that now threaten his existence?

A thoughtful, provocative story filled with memorable characters, Sweet Amerika is ultimately an uplifting story that asks us to experience the colorful, and sometimes troubled, fabric of America with open minds and hearts.

Bollywood veteran actor Gulshan Grover, known for his string of delicious and wickedly enjoyable villains, plays Balbir Singh Gill aka Bobby in the film

“It’s been an amazing experience working in Canada with a group of dedicated and hardworking filmmakers who have given the film their heart and soul,” Grover said of Dhillon’s cast and crew.

“It’s my first feature and it has literally drained the life (not to mention the cash) out of me but the hard work is well worth it as the film has shaped up beyond my expectations,” Dhillon said. “I am certain that the film will make an impact in both the South Asian and mainstream communities because of the themes we have tackled in the film.”

The film, produced by well known Vancouver businessman Bobby Nagra in association with MMM Film Finance International, is written by Dhillon, an award winning Indo-Canadian journalist, and Jessi Thind, the author of Lions Of The Sea – which recount the tumultuous journey of the doomed Komagata Maru passengers.

“Paul had a dream to make a film and the story was something that was worth telling and that is why I got involved,” said Nagra, who is well known for being the man behind Jazzy B.’s success and the former producer/owner of the Canadian national tevision program Des Pardes.

“We have all heard stories from America where Sikhs have been beaten up, killed and had our temples set on fire so it was important that we tell their story. The best media to get the message out is film because it’s a well-traveled and respected medium. But it’s also a very expensive medium. We have started this venture with limited resources and hope other people, especially from our Sikh community, will help us along the way,” Nagra said.

“Badman” Gulshan Grover is one of the few actors who has not only achieved great success in India but also made a successful transition to Hollywood and International Cinema. He has just finished shooting the first mainstream Hollywood-Bollywood production called Marigold along with Bollywood’s Salman Khan and Hollywood’s Ali Laertr & Ian Bohen.

He has also worked in Hollywood Films such as the Second Jungle Book (for Columbia Tri Star) where he essayed the role of the main villain as the rebel chief. Along with other Hollywood films, Grover has also acted in an Italian film, French Film, a German Film and a British Film.