HARROW is to be the backdrop for a major new film in the summer, which promises to be a fusion of the Bollywood and western styles.

"Counterfeit", set in London's criminal underworld, will, according to its makers, be an Asian film to rival western crime movies such as Reservoir Dogs. It will star Stephen Rahman-Hughes, the star of West End musical Bollywood Dreams and TV programmes Bad Girls and Dream Team.

Although details of the plot have been kept under wraps, it is understood the film will follow a group of Asian friends from Harrow who get caught up in a crime deal. They are forced to repay a debt to a shady criminal boss called Gabbar.

Christine Edwards, producer and writer, said: "I chose Harrow as a main location as I have lived here for 12 years since moving here from Birmingham. Harrow has a lot going for it that makes it an atmospheric location: ethnically diverse areas, traditional buildings and lots of greenery! I took our director from Bollywood around Harrow last summer and he also agreed that it was a good location to shoot in."

Confirmed locations for the shoot include Harrow Spice Restaurant in Station Road, Riley's Pool Hall in Wealdstone, Ealing Road in Wembley and South Harrow High Street. Producers are also in negotiations to film in St.Ann's shopping centre car park and Destiny's nightclub in Watford.

Slated for release in 2007, filming will take place this summer over 40 days, split between Harrow and a rural location in Worcestershire. Local talent may yet have a chance to appear, since open auditions will be held in May and June and the supporting cast is expected to include relative unknowns.

Director Sailesh Konchady, who has a string of Bollywood hits under his belt including Junoon, Dahshat and Illzaam, was pleased to have secured the services of Rahman-Hughes in the lead role.

He said: "Counterfeit is not just a routine British Asian film and Stephen Rahman-Hughes is not just an ordinary actor. His inclusion is like adding fuel to a fiery script."