Films & Screens

ITV’s comedy-drama 'The Effects of Lying' comes packed with diaspora talent

Arundhati Mukherjee

A new ITVX comedy drama to be broadcast later this year comes packed with diaspora talent, including director Isher Sahota, popular British Indian actors Ace Bhatti and Navin Chowdhry and Indian-Moroccan actress Laila Rouass.

'The Effects of Lying' is a delightfully chaotic one-off drama that follows a dutiful husband and loving father, Naveen (Bhatti), whose life falls apart over a series of shocking events taking place over just one day. Decades of festering secrets are finally exposed, and Naveen is forced to face up to some home truths.

After finding his teenage daughter Simran secretly gorging and his dissatisfied wife Sangeeta in bed with his brother, lies come pouring out, and the truth is uncovered. Naveen must now get to grips with the key relationships he bases his identity on in his life. What is he, if not a husband, a father, a brother? He's allowed himself to be passive for too long, pushed around by other people's whims and desires. He must learn to take responsibility for his life and happiness.

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Bhatti says about his character: "Naveen is a man who tries to do right by his family. He's trying so hard to keep his fractious family together, but within 24 hours he learns three very deep, very dark secrets that break his life apart. By lunchtime, his whole life is shattered… and he has to learn very quickly how to deal with that on an emotional level."

Born in Nottingham, Bhatti has celebrated Television series like 'Eastenders', 'Line of Duty' in his credits. He has also famously played the father of Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

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A Bonaparte Films production, 'The Effects of Lying' will premiere on ITVX on July 6 during South Asian Heritage Month.

Bonaparte Films' Jon Tarcy and Isher Sahota said: "We're thrilled to partner with ITVX on this exciting journey. 'The Effects of Lying' is a relatable, hilarious and heart-warming film, so we are delighted the show has found its home on ITVX.

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“This was a completely independent project shot in just 12 days. Our mission was to bring a new moment in representation to UK screens, so to be supported by a major platform in this competitive climate is a dream come true."

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