Mallika Sherawat has been cast opposite Avatar actor Laz Alonso in Love Barack, a political romantic comedy set during the frantic days leading up to 2008 US Presidential election.

Doug McHenry will direct the film, while Los Angeles Times contributing writer Gary Goldstein will pen the script.

Mallika will play the central character Aretha Gupta, a devoted, Obama volunteer coordinator. The story follows the romantic and political rollercoaster that develops when, the month before Election Day, Democrat Aretha unexpectedly falls for her Republican counterpart (Alonso), a handsome, dynamic African-American working for the local McCain office.

The film also stars veteran actress Ruby Dee, comedy veteran Gerry Bednob and Loretta Devine.