NEW YORK, -- The forthcoming Artisan Entertainment comedy entitled "National Lampoon's Van Wilder," starring Indian-American acting sensation Kal Penn, is set to hit mainstream theaters in the United States this Friday.

Penn will play the part of an exchange student from India in the forthcoming film, whose trailers are causing sheer excitement throughout the nation. Penn's character's ultimate goal will be to copulate with a member of the opposite sex before the end of his school year.

The star of "American Desi" will be seen alongside several prominent actors and actresses, including Ryan Reynolds (star of the ABC sitcom "Two Guys And A Girl"), Tara Reid (the leading lady from the 1999 hit film "American Pie"), and Teck Holmes (from MTV's "Real World - Hawaii").

"Van Wilder" represents another opportunity for an Indian-American actor to represent the ever-growing number of South Asians in the United States in Hollywood. Penn's credits include parts on "NYPD Blue," "Spin City," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "The Steve Harvey Show," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

For more on Kal Penn, visit his site KalPennOnline.com

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