COLOURFUL costumes, actors breaking into song and dance in a moment's notice. It could only mean one thing - Bollywood films.

Worcester's Odeon cinema, in Foregate Street, is showing a mini season from what is the world's biggest film industry, to entice amongst others, the city's Asian population.

Bollywood films, which emanate from the Indian city Mumbai, formerly Bombay, have been a big hit among Asian and other ethnic communities in the Midlands.

Worcester businessman Aftab Latif, who is known as Shakeey and owns Shakeeys fast food cafe in Angel Place, said at present the city's Asian population has to travel to Birmingham to see Bollywood films, so the season would be welcomed.

He said in the past, the problem was that by the time films were shown in Worcester, people had already seen them in Birmingham, so it was important to try to show the latest releases.

"I had a few meetings with Nick Moore, the Odeon's manager, and we decided to bring the entertainment to the ethnic minority population," said Mr Latif.

"Bollywood movies are really popular and they have English subtitles, so everyone can watch them."

Mr Latif added that if this trial period proved a success then there is always the possibility of showing films from Pakistan and Bangla desh.

Cinema manager Nick Moore said the Odeon decided to put on a few films after receiving requests.

"One of the films we have on is called Main Hoon Na' and is proving popular in other cities," said Mr Moore.

"If it takes off here, we'll keep it on for longer."

He said this film was a new Bollywood production, whereas others, including Khakee, are more classical.

The season is on for a fortnight.