Indian "cinema royalty" at the Raavan premiere
16th June 2010

India’s most celebrated couple - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Abhishek Bachchan - graced the Red Carpet at the BFI, Southbank in London on Wednesday 16th June 2010 at the world premiere of ‘Raavan’, a darkly intense film that invites audiences into a new world order. They were joined by fellow cast and crew members including the superstar of South Indian cinema, Vikram, and India’s most acclaimed director, Mani Ratnam. Fellow celebrities, VIP’s and dignitaries who attended the event included: Indian cinema’s most revered actor Amitabh Bachchan and wife Jaya Bachchan; fellow A-list international star, Shah Rukh Khan; Mayor of London's Director for Transport Policy Kulveer Ranger; film director Gurinder Chadha; actors, Laila Rouass and Sadie Pickering; and musician Rishi Rich.

Directed by Mani Ratnam (‘Dil Se’, ‘Bombay’), who is to be honoured with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award 2010 at the 67th Venice International Film Festival, ‘Raavan’s’ stellar cast is spearheaded by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (‘Bride and Prejudice’) and Abhishek Bachchan (‘Guru’, ‘Paa’) who perform their most challenging roles to date. They unite on screen in avatars never before seen by cinemagoers and are joined by the undisputed superstar of South Indian cinema Vikram, alongside supporting talent, Govinda, Ravi Kishan and Priyamani.

‘Raavan’s’ hypnotizing visuals by multi-award winning cinematographers Santosh Sivan and V. Manikandan are perfectly combined with a haunting soundtrack from multi Academy Award Winner, A.R. Rahman (‘Slumdog Millionaire’). The lyrics have been penned by Indian poet, lyricist and script writer Gulzar, a five times National Award Winner and the recipient of 17 Filmfare Awards.

‘Raavan’ is released in the UK on Friday 18th June 2010.