BANGKOK – World preem of highly anticipated Indian blockbuster "Sarkar Raj" is set to be one of the high points of the International Indian Film Academy awards weekend that takes place in Bangkok next month (June 6-8).

Pic is a sequel to 2005 hit "Sarkar," which was a quasi retread of "The Godfather" helmed by Ram Gopal Varma. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan, and Abhishek’s wife Aishwarya Rai in their first new role together since their wedding last April and "Guru."

Amitabh Bachchan, who is also IIFA’s brand ambassador, held a press conference in Bangkok this week to officially give details of the multi-event spectacle that combines Indian cinema, a business forum, fashion show, community activities and red-carpet award presentation.
Another highlight is the award ceremony on June 8, which will take place at Siam Niramit Theathre. The nominations this year include a flock of Indian A-listers including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Shashid Kapur, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Vidya Balan.

Films nominated for best picture include "Guru," "Chak de! India," "Jab We Met," "Om Shanti Om," "Life in a Metro" and "Partner."

"We all like to come to Bangkok. Actually, it’s as if we’re using the movies as an excuse to come and visit the city," Amitabh Bachchan said.

Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, the company that initiated IIFA, said he picked Bangkok as this host because the two countries’ shared culture. "The rise in investment between Thailand and India is another factor, as well as the fact that at least 30 Indian films were shot in Thailand over the past years," he said.

The premiere will take place at Paragon Cineplex, part of the Major Cineplex Group, which recently struck a joint venture with leading Indian hardtop chain PVR.

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