Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee will star in his first lead role as an actor in "UnIndian", the first feature of a recently established Australia India Film Fund (AIFF). He will share screen space with Indian actress Tannishtha Chatterjee.
The romantic comedy, which will highlight the complexities of the Indian diaspora, will go into production in October in Sydney, it was announced during Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit here Thursday.
Written by Thushy Saathi and to be directed by Anupam Sharma, "UnIndian" is being presented by Devendra Gupta and Yateender Gupta.
The two actors are excited.
"I'm honoured to have been cast as a lead in the first AIFF film, privileged to be working with Anupam Sharma and humbled to be working with an actress of the calibre of Tannishtha Chatterjee," Lee, who had earlier featured in a cameo in Hindi film "Victory", said in a statement.
Tannishtha is equally upbeat.
"Australia has always been a very special country for me. I love the script (of 'Unindian') and I am super excited to work with Anupam Sharma and his entire team. And Brett Lee... What can I say? Look forward to having a blast, Brett," she said.
Sharma and Lisa Duff are co-producing the film while Chandru Tolani is the executive producer.
AIFF was established in 2013 to invest in Australian films with Indian themes for a global audience.
The story of "UnIndian" is about a divorcee and single mother, Meera (Tannishtha), who meets the charismatic Will (Lee). Love is the last thing on Meera's mind, but her marital status is the subject of much discussion within her family, and she is encouraged on a seemingly daily basis to marry "a nice Indian man".
Devendra Gupta, CEO, AIFF, said: "Over the next few years we intend to inject significant funds into the Australian film and television industry, with specific focus on cross-cultural stories.
"As Indian-Australians we see it as our responsibility to both celebrate the values of and strengthen ties between the two countries."
The second film on the slate is currently in an advanced stage of development.
