Preproduction is underway on Deepa Mehta’s latest and most expensive project to date, the $35-million epic Komagata Maru, through Hamilton-Mehta Productions.

The film is based on true events surrounding the 1914 voyage of the titular ship from India to Vancouver with 376 passengers aboard, seeking a new life in Canada. Mongrel Media is the Canadian distributor.

Indian film star Akshay Kumar has signed on to play the lead. Talks are underway with other talent including Hollywood A-listers, according to the filmmaking team.

‘This is an extremely important opportunity for me to reveal a significant moment in Canadian history and illustrate the steadfast bravery of the Sikh community who sacrificed so much to help create a more tolerant community within my adopted country,’ commented Mehta in a release.

‘It is a great privilege to work with Deepa Mehta. The subject of this film has moved me, as it is a true representation and a testimony to human struggles for freedom, justice and equality,’ added Kumar.

Mehta’s partner David Hamilton will produce the drama, which will commence shooting in September 2009.