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 true story follows the titular ship that sailed in 1914 to Vancouver with 376 passengers from India 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.

Mehta’s partner David Hamilton will produce. Shooting starts next September.