MUMBAI: Shyam Benegal’s first comedy film Welcome to Sajjanpur has been invited for the London Film Festival 2008 that runs from 15 – 30 October. The film has been selected in the World Cinema category. London Film Festival showcases the best new films from around the world.

Welcome To Sajjanpur starring Shreyas Talpade, Amrita Rao, Divya Dutta, Ila Arun, Ravi Kissen and Rageshwari Sachdev, is a satirical take on a contemporary Indian village. The film is set in a make believe world of Sajjanpur, something like the Malgudi of R K Narayan. The movie is being produced by UTV Spotboy.

UTV Spotboy COO Vikas Behl says, "We made a film that is from the heartland of India narrated in a very light hearted manner. To me, a subject like this selected for such a big festival is very encouraging and interesting. We didn’t make the film with an intension of taking it to festival circuits but such news is really encouraging."

Benegal added, "London Film Festival is like an annual affair for me now. Almost all my films have been showcased there. I am happy and honoured that like every year this year too I will be a part of the festival with Welcome To Sajjanpur.. It is a nice platform to showcase the film to larger audiences. I hope everyone would like the film."

The film is slated to release on 19 September.