Mumbai witnessed a glittering celebration of cinema and culture as BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Gurinder Chadha premiered her latest musical feature film ‘Christmas Karma’ at a special screening backed by Civic Studios and distributed by PVR INOX Pictures. The star-studded evening brought together prominent voices from Indian cinema, fashion, music, and social advocacy, marking the film’s India showcase as both celebratory and meaningful.
The red carpet buzzed with the presence of Amruta Fadnavis, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, Anu Malik, Rasika Dugal, Sargun Mehta, Ravi Dubey, and several other notable personalities from the entertainment fraternity. Their attendance underscored the film’s cross-cultural appeal and its relevance in today’s global storytelling landscape.
The screening was held in association with Sense International India, a national NGO supporting children and adults with deafblindness. In a powerful gesture of inclusion, the event welcomed a young person with deafblindness, accompanied by an interpreter, who experienced the film and shared heartfelt appreciation for it. The moment reinforced the film’s underlying message of empathy, connection, and dignity.
Following the screening, audiences were treated to an engaging Q&A session hosted by Karan Johar, who reflected on Gurinder Chadha’s remarkable contribution to global cinema. Expressing deep admiration, he said that Chadha has consistently pushed boundaries, opened doors for South Asian representation in the West, and delivered emotionally resonant stories. He noted that Christmas Karma moved him deeply and described the film as visually stunning and emotionally powerful.
During the discussion, Gurinder Chadha spoke candidly about the challenges of financing films as an Indian woman director in the UK. She highlighted that the project became possible due to strong backing from Indian-origin financiers, particularly Civic Studios, emphasizing that the film “exists because of Indian support.” Responding to this, Karan Johar remarked that much like the film itself, its heart and funding are proudly Indian.
Anushka Shah, CEO and Founder of Civic Studios, spoke about the importance of backing women filmmakers and credited Bend It Like Beckham as a personal inspiration. She described supporting Christmas Karma as a full-circle moment and an act of gratitude toward a filmmaker who has influenced generations.
Adding to the cultural pride of the evening, actor Sargun Mehta expressed heartfelt admiration for Gurinder Chadha, calling her a source of immense pride for Punjab and the global Punjabi community. Her words resonated with the film’s strong South Asian identity.
Uttam Kumar, CEO of Sense International India, emphasized how the film’s multicultural spirit aligns with the organization’s mission. He noted that the story reinforces the belief that every life, regardless of ability or background, deserves dignity, visibility, and inclusion—values that extend beyond the festive season.
Christmas Karma is a contemporary musical inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, reimagined through a modern South Asian lens and set against the vibrant diversity of London. The film blends festive magic with themes of transformation, poverty, racism, and redemption.
The film stars Kunal Nayyar in the role of Scrooge, alongside an impressive international ensemble including Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Bilal Hasna, Nitin Ganatra, and several others. Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, the film features music by Gary Barlow, Shaznay Lewis, and Nitin Sawhney.
Produced by Gurinder Chadha, Celine Rattray, Trudie Styler, and Amory Leader, and backed by Civic Studios, Christmas Karma reflects the growing global influence of Indian producers and storytellers shaping international cinema.
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