A controversial remake of the 1996 Danish crime thriller Pusher, starring Bollywood actress and model Mahima Chaudhry, premieres in Bradford on October 15.

The British-Hindi film by Assad Raja has already been banned from some independent cinemas in Mumbai for its scenes of drug-fuelled violence.

Shammim Baig, from the Abu Hanifa mosque in the Indian city says such films destroy the moral fabric of society.

“The content of the film – sex, drugs, gambling and violence – defy Islamic teachings and will simply harm,” he added.

Pusher tells the story of Salim, a low-level drug-dealer whose disastrous deals put him on the wrong side of London’s most dangerous criminals.

Assad Raja, who plays Salim and also directs, got the idea for making an Asian version of Pusher because of the lack of opportunities for professional work.

He said: “As a British Asian, I found it difficult to get a decent role in British films, TV shows and even on stage. Most roles were limited to corner shop keepers or the token Asian family in predominantly white-dominated soaps.

“I wanted to challenge this and very much wanted to make an Indian language Brit film in this crazy, gritty style. Nothing like this has been done in British, Asian or so-called Bollywood cinema ever before.”

Mahima Chaudhry has appeared in 35 films, winning the Filmcare Award for Best female debut in the 1997 film Pardes.

She urges people to see the film and said she is looking forward to attending the Bradford screening at Cineworld in Vicar Lane, along with other members of the cast and film crew.