Inspired by King Khan

One of the very few films produced by Indian Americans to have a red carpet premiere, Walkaway, an English language production, looks into the lives of a handful of immigrants whose past and present lives are challenged by the society around them.

The film, which premiered in New York last week and is playing on some two dozen screens in major American cities, was executive produced by Kurush Mistry and directed by first-timer Shailja Gupta.

It features well-known South Asian artists like Manu Narayan, Samrat Chakrabarti, Sanjeev Jhaveri, Deepti Gupta, Pallavi Sharda, Manish Dayal, Ami Sheth and Carrie Anne.

It has received mixed attention from mainstream publications. Gupta believes the word of mouth has been good to the film.

"We have taken a big step in getting this film out on more than two screens," she said. "If the response is good, we would love to take it many more cities."

She has been working on the film for over two years, she says. "It almost feels surreal to be standing here and being able to tell you and the world that I am having world premiere of my in the city of dreams New York," she said at the premiere.

"Many people have helped me complete this film. Sound editor Resul Pookutty, composers Vishal and Shekhar and Ram Sampath. And last but not the least Shah Rukh Khan. It was his kindness, which gave me the confidence that I could take the film to the next level."

"I have dreamt about this moment a million times in my head," she added. "But nothing prepares you when you see an idea being translated on screen. Nothing prepares you for the compliments and the best wishes."

But she is also prepared for criticism. She said she would visit theaters in New Jersey and New York and meet the audiences after the show. "Please see the film on the big screen and be brutally honest about your reactions. Your feedback, advice any tit bit are very important to me," she added.

For her next film, she is toying with two stories. "It all depends on the audience... It is their decision whether they give me the access to this magical world again," she said.