Niraj Kapur's "Heaven's Delight"

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Heaven's Delight is Niraj Kapur's debut novel, part of a romantic comedy trilogy.

The story, from the author:

Set in Heaven, Hell and the UK, Heaven's Delight is the story of Beth, a cynical, self-centred angel who God sends back to earth to atone for her past sins. She has six days to help bring together four couples, to learn the real values of love, friendship and honour. If she succeeds, she can return to her old life on earth. If she fails, she will be condemned to an eternity in hell.

Matters are further complicated when she falls madly in love with Chris and has to hide her true identity from him, while the devil and his demons do everything possible to keep them apart.

The opening chapter is available free of charge from www.heavensdelight.co.uk along with the first chapter of my next rom com, The Matchmakers.

So who would the author entrust to present his novel on the big screen?

When people talk about their favourite movies, The Godfather, Casablanca, Goodfellas, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Shawshank Redemption, are regularly mentioned. These are sublime projects that deserve to stand the test of time. However, my favourite genre is romantic comedy and nothing beats the wit and feelgood factor of Annie Hall, Manhattan, Bringing Up Baby, When Harry Met Sally and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Heaven's Delight is romantic comedy meet fantasy. The fantasy element was added for a number of reasons: my passion for Star Wars and The Princess Bride. The desire to create a unique project. But also because I spent many years as a screenwriter. Getting movies made in England is almost impossible, (sorry, several more blogs are required to talk about UK Movie business). Plus, the budget so the movie is huge with visceral thrills set in Heaven and Hell, as well as colourful parts of London and Ireland, that a novel being produced was more realistic.

Kate Winslet is ideal for the lead role of Clara. Clara is not your typical sweet goofy Bridget Jones lead. She's flawed, unlikeable, but at the end of the book, becomes a better person. The lead actor is down-to-earth, likeable and heroic, but does have the classic leading man looks. Mark Ruffalo, Martin Freeman (from The Office) are ideal. For the role of God, there can be only one: Sean Connery. God even speaks with a Scottish burr like Sean.

The devil. Well, we're spoilt in England for great actors who could play this role. The devil isn't just evil, he's sexual evil, so Ewan McGregor is ideal. Richard Pryor appears in heaven and would require remarkable CGI reconstruction.

In terms of directors, there are many wonderful directors like Robert Zemeckis and Ridley Scott who could direct this in their sleep. Martin Scorsese directing a romantic comedy is long overdue. However, the master genius, Steven Spielberg, will be the number one choice. Just imagine what magic he could do with this.

Visit Niraj Kapur's website and read a sample chapter from Heaven's Delight.

The Page 69 Test: Heaven's Delight.

--Marshal Zeringue