Ali Fazal is a 'beautiful young man': Judi Dench

Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench says her "Victoria & Abdul" co-star Ali Fazal is a beautiful young man, who is "kind of a romantic and also a laugher".

Judi Dench as Queen Victoria, Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim in 'Victoria and Abdul'. (Photo | BBC Films/Focus Features)

MUMBAI: Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench says her "Victoria & Abdul" co-star Ali Fazal is a beautiful young man, who is "kind of a romantic and also a laugher".

After its screening at the Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, the Stephen Frears directorial is set for its first screening in India on Thursday here.

"(Ali is) a beautiful young man. He's kind of a romantic, and also a laugher. That's a good mixture. We got on very well indeed," Dench said in a statement.

The film tells the true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's rule. 

When Abdul Karim (Ali), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favour with the Queen herself. 

Judi Dench, left, and Ali Fazal appear in a scene from "Victoria and Abdul."
(Peter Mountain/Focus Features via AP)

As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. 

As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.

"Victoria & Abdul" will be released in India on October 13 by Universal Pictures India.