By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 09:53, Friday, 06 November 2009

When Bollywood came to Cumbria tourism chiefs had high hopes of what it might do for the county’s economy.

Actress Neha Pendse prepares for a scene

But a cash crisis has meant that the film Mr Bhatti on Chutti – starring some of Bollywood’s biggest stars – has never been released.

The film, which translates as Mr Bhatti on Holiday, was filmed in Carlisle in the summer of 2007 and around Windermere.

Locations including the city’s railway station, Cassa bar and the shop Thongs ‘n’ Things on Botchergate were used in the film.

The title role was played by Anupam Kher, who has previously starred in Bend it Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice.

Producer Ashwani Chopra said: “We are still hoping that it will be released and we’re looking at next year now – maybe January or February.

“The problem is money – a cash crisis. No one is coming forward with any money so we’re just waiting.

“The film has been completed.”

Mr Bhatti on Chutti tells the tale of a group of Indian tourists who visit the Lakes but become embroiled in the saga of a missing British woman. As the search gets underway, a comedy of errors unfolds and various secrets are revealed.

It was written and directed by Karan Razdan, who boasts a lengthy track record in Indian film and television production. Lots of people, including some of the bar staff at Cassa, were given parts as extras in the film.

The film also brought added benefits to some of the region’s newest filmmaking talent. Six film trainees worked on the production.

The movie was brought to Cumbria by the organisation Northwest Vision and Media and Tulip Films.

Tourism chiefs hoped it would attract visitors from India to the county.

First published at 05:24, Friday, 06 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk