Gurinder Chadha may have an eclectic filmography -- from the delightful Bhaji On The Beach to a masala version of Jane Austen with Bride & Prejudice -- but her iconic work remains the film about a spunky young desi lacing up her boots and kicking the ball. Bending it, as the analogy goes, like Beckham.
Made in 2002, Bend It Like Beckham was a sleeper hit, and a runaway sensation. The film's stars have done well for themselves -- Keira Knightley is inching towards Hollywood's A-list, and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers stars in the new Woody Allen film opposite Scarlett Johansson.
Gurinder herself earned great acclaim, signing since onto several ambitious projects, including a big budget I Dream Of Jeannie.
Now,
she has decided to revisit her greatest success.
The Daily Telegraph reports Chadha ebulliently announcing, "I am making a sequel to
Bend It Like Beckham." Eager to avoid allegations of milking a franchise, the director is quick to mention that it won't be a typical sequel though. "I see it more as a continuation of the characters than an actual sequel. The first film was based on me when I was growing up, whereas this one is going to be about my life afterwards.
"I'm busy with another project at the moment, but,after that,I'm really looking forward to getting started on it."
Good luck, Gurinder. May you come up with another equally funny, insightful film.