Aishwarya Rai-starrer 'Provoked' releases in India next week

New Delhi, Mar 30 (UNI) The Aishwarya Rai-starrer 'Provoked', based on the true life story of a battered Punjabi wife who is sentenced to life for murdering her alcoholic abusive husband but is later pardoned by the English courts, will release in theatres across India next week.

'Provoked', directed by NRI filmmaker of Indian origin Jag Mundhra, is based on the true life story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (played by Aishwarya Rai), the Asian woman who overturned the British judicial system and transformed the meaning of "provocation" in the case of physically abused women, winning justice for women subjected to domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse.

The English Language film, based on Ahluwalia's biography Circle of Light by Rahila Gupta, traces her lonely struggle in an abusive 10-year marriage, her retaliation through the murder of her violent husband and the efforts of women activists Southall Black Sisters to bring her justice.

Featuring an Indian and British cast, including Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Nandita Das, Rebecca Pidgeon and Robbie Coltrane, 'Provoked' stars Aishwarya Rai as a battered Punjabi wife who is sentenced to life for murdering her alcoholic abusive husband but is later pardoned by the English courts by an unprecedented appeal that redefines the laws of Provocation in future battered spouse legal cases.

'Provoked' is being released in India along with its worldwide release on April 6.

The film will release in English as well as dubbed versions in Hindi in India.

Incidentally, the film is also scheduled to open the latest edition of the Indian Film Festival in Los Angeles next month.

The film's screening at the IFFLA will also mark the film's premiere in Los Angeles.

UNI