My Indian Boyfriend: The Golden Mile lands U.K. deal
My Indian Boyfriend: The Golden Mile has landed U.K. and Ireland theatrical distribution through RFT Films, Variety reports exclusively. The British romantic drama is set against Leicester's Diwali celebrations and secured the theatrical deal ahead of principal photography planned for this summer. Producers aim to connect multicultural British stories with cinema audiences across Europe and Asia. The agreement highlights rising demand for independent films that reflect modern Britain on the big screen.
Key Takeaways
- RFT Films will release the romantic drama in U.K. and Ireland cinemas before shooting begins this summer.
- The film follows Jasmine, a Malaysian Chinese architecture student, and Krishna, a British-Indian graduate, in Leicester.
- Director Vijay Chauhan and producer Hiu Man Chan are assembling partners from the U.K., Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India.
- Producers are pursuing additional distribution deals across Europe, Asia, and North America.
- RFT Films aims to reach communities historically underserved by mainstream theatrical releases.
What is 'My Indian Boyfriend: The Golden Mile'?
The project is a British romantic drama positioned among the first independent features to center Leicester's multicultural communities and its internationally recognized Diwali celebrations in a commercial release. Directed by Vijay Chauhan and produced by Hiu Man Chan, the story follows Jasmine (Jolene Tiong), a Malaysian Chinese architecture student in Leicester, and Krishna (Sushant Shekhar), a British-Indian graduate finding purpose through dance.
Their relationship becomes a lens on identity, ambition, belonging, and modern multicultural Britain. Producers aim to connect audiences across Europe and Asia through a story rooted in one of England's most diverse cities. For more industry updates, see our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage.
Who is distributing the film in the U.K. and Ireland?
RFT Films, a U.K.-based distributor founded in 2014 by Ronald Thondickal, has taken U.K. and Ireland theatrical rights. The company distributes South Indian and global cinema in more than 60 countries across the U.K., Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Thondickal called the film "a new exploration expanding from our usual portfolio" and said the partnership reflects a commitment to championing diverse stories with commercial potential and international appeal. He added that the release could open new markets and develop cinema audiences by bringing together communities underserved by mainstream theatrical distribution.
Why does this distribution deal matter now?
The U.K.-Ireland agreement arrives as producers pursue a broader international rollout, with discussions ongoing across Europe, Asia, and North America ahead of the shoot. Executive producer Hiu Man Chan said the partnership is "much more than a distribution agreement" and stressed that like-minded partners are crucial to protecting independent filmmaking at a critical moment.
Chan noted growing curiosity in films celebrating Britain's multicultural identity, especially among younger audiences seeking stories they can recognize on screen. The production plans to shoot across Leicester, spotlighting the city's multicultural heritage as it lines up global partners.
When does production begin?
Principal photography is scheduled for this summer, with locations planned across Leicester. The deal was reported exclusively by Variety on July 3, 2026, ahead of cameras rolling on the independent production.