Justin Trudeau kicks-off first Indo-Canadian cinematic venture

Justin Trudeau and Director Madhureeta Anand

Justin Trudeau and Director Madhureeta Anand

Even though his visit to India was marked with speculation that the country was giving him the cold shoulder, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau constantly attempted to further the cultural association between the two countries. Having interacted with Bollywood bigwigs during his visit to the country last week, Trudeau announced a joint cinematic venture that would be helmed by filmmaker Madhureeta Anand.

The first official Indo-Canadian co-production, A Taj Mahal Love Story, is set to be shot in India with a Canadian crew. Evidently ecstatic to helm the venture, Anand tells mid-day, "It is a privilege to direct this film. Filmmakers rarely get such opportunities. Today, when the shrinking box-office numbers worldwide is affecting the film industry, it is imperative that we expand the scope of our films and open them to different audiences. This can only happen if we collaborate with international governments."

Talking about her "quirky" love story, Anand says she has been working on the script for three years. "It follows a couple who has engaged in an arranged marriage. However, they do not enjoy a healthy sexual relationship. The girl is cheerful and boisterous, while the man constantly asserts his masculinity. A year into their marriage, we try to understand why the girl is perpetually upset. It's a sweet and funny tale."

Anand reveals that the film will be shot in Agra, while editing and post-production will take place in Toronto. "The collaboration implies it will be easier for us to work on the production." The cast of the film, which is being backed by Canadian producer Anu Vittal's True Space Films, is yet to be locked. The makers intend to roll in
September to meet a February 2019 release date.

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