Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS): A director's first film sets the benchmark for him, says first-timer Shekhar Sirrinn, who is gearing up for his upcoming debut "Chicken Curry Law".

"If you are directing for the first time, it becomes a challenge in itself. It becomes an important part of your career. Your first film becomes the benchmark for the rest of your life. So I have taken every little decision and step very consciously. It was the biggest challenge to reach the audience with the best we could," Sirrinn said.

"Chicken Curry Law", featuring actors like Ashutosh Rana and Makarand Deshpande, is Sirrinn's attempt to "show that side of India which is seen by tourists, and what they think about our judiciary system".

"If after watching this film and understanding our message, people change their behaviour and follow Atithi Devo Bhava, then I would feel that my film is a success," he said.

The film is about a foreign artist who comes to India to groom her career in the Indian entertainment industry and gets drugged and raped by two men from influential families.

"It's shameful that people misbehave and there are sexual assault cases. It has hampered the country and its image to a great extent," Sirrinn said.

The director says he chose actors like Ashutosh and Makarand as "this is a very serious topic and I wanted performers, not just actors".

The film is scheduled to release in early 2018.