Mumbai, Apr 8 (IANS): Actress Vidya Balan hopes the audience connects with her new film "Begum Jaan", in which she plays the madam of a brothel.

"The film's trailer and songs have got overwhelming response from the audience and they are eagerly waiting to watch the film. I hope people will connect with the film", Vidya said at a special screening of the film here on Friday.

"Every time I make an attempt to present new and unusual stories for the audience. And when this film came to me, I was so excited that I thought to start shooting for the film on that day itself. The character and dialogues of 'Begum Jaan' are so strong and with so much of attitude that I just couldn't stop myself from doing this film," she added.

"Begum Jaan" is an adaptation of Bengali film "Rajkahini". The movie also features Gauahar Khan, Ila Arun, Pallavi Sharda, Chunky Pandey, Flora Saini, Raviza Chauhan, Poonam Rajput and Naseeruddin Shah.

Scheduled to release on April 14, it is directed by Srijit Mukherji and produced by Vishesh Films and Play Entertainment.

Its screening was attended by Rekha, Alia Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Jackky Bhagnani, Ashish Vidyarthi and Kabir Khan and Siddharth Roy Kapur among others.