Akshay Kumar to play the lead role in ´Komagata Maru´

- Planet Bollywood Special Correspondant           Let us know what you think about this story

The Dominion government did not permit passengers to disembark due to racist immigration laws and the vessel remained docked at the harbour for two months.

The ship was later forcibly sent back to India where the British police allegedly shot dead many passengers in Kolkata.

According to Mehta, the proposed film will highlight high level Canadian government intrigue, duplicity, racism, spying, military engagements, court battles, sedition and assassination.

"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," said Mehta in a statement.

Mehta originally intended Amitabh Bachchan to topline the USD 30 million drama, but had to back down because Bachchan didn't have the Canadian citizenship. 'Komagata Maru' is a government financed picture and requires a local lead as per the Canadian norms.

Kumar, who has a permanent resident status of Canada, stepped in to play the role of Gurdit Singh, a Sikh lawyer who represented the 376 passengers aboard the ship.

More News ...