The Great Departure: A Detailed Insight
Breaking News: The talented Xavier Samuel and Sonal Sehgal are set to star in the upcoming film, The Great Departure.
Behind the Scenes
This much-anticipated film is a product of the reputable KVR Productions, led by producer Arvind Reddy. The man behind the lens is Pierre Filmon, a notable director who has previously been nominated for the prestigious Camera d’Or award. Currently, the film is in the post-production stage, with all scenes shot in India. Sehgal, one of the film’s lead actors, penned the script during the lockdown period when the film was initially known as Travellers.
Plot Overview
The narrative of The Great Departure delves into the societal issue of patriarchy. It unravels through the chance encounter of a man and woman in Varanasi who embark on a shared road trip. Despite following the same path, their experiences vary greatly, and amidst their journey, they fall in love. The film stars Samuel, known for his role in Twilight: Eclipse, and Sehgal, recognized for her role in Aashayein.
Sonal Sehgal on the Script
Sehgal shared her personal connection with the script, stating, “Growing up in a patriarchal society with parents who fostered my strong independence, I often found myself torn between my upbringing and societal expectations. This dichotomy led me to use cinema as an outlet to express these contrasting experiences.”
The Revival of KVR Productions
Besides being an anticipated film, The Great Departure also serves as a relaunch for KVR Productions. This Indian production house, managed by Arvind Reddy, is renowned for being founded by the legendary South Indian director KV Reddy. Arvind Reddy stated, “We chose to base this film on the theme of patriarchy and the road trip genre because it resonated deeply with us. We made a conscious effort to ensure gender parity across all departments.”
Xavier Samuel’s Previous Works
Apart from The Great Departure, Samuel’s filmography includes roles in films like Blonde, featuring Ana de Armes, Adore, starring Robin Wright and Naomi Watts, and Love and Friendship, with Kate Beckinsale. He was recently cast in Minka Kelly’s romantic comedy for Netflix, Champagne Problems, and has been a regular feature in the TNT drama, Tell Me Your Secrets.
Xavier Samuel’s Take on the Script
Samuel expressed his deep connection with the script, stating, “I was touched by the script’s humane approach and its unrelenting portrayal of Indian life, especially for women. The heart of the film is strong, and the drama and romance are palpable. The story of two characters from different realities finding commonality and falling in love resonates deeply with me.”
Director Pierre Filmon on Filming in India
“From the cast and crew to drivers, security, assistants, and even cooks, everyone was perfectly organized, allowing the creative team to extract the best from an outstanding script,” said Filmon, who was filming in India for the first time.
Pierre Filmon’s Past Achievements
Filmon’s 2016 documentary Close, featuring Villas Zsigmond, was nominated for the Camera d’Or. His 2022 film, Jerry Schatzberg: Landscape Portrait, premiered at the renowned Venice Film Festival.
Conclusion
The Great Departure promises to be a thought-provoking film that will engage audiences with its unique narrative, compelling performances, and insightful depiction of societal issues. With a talented cast, dedicated crew, and driven production house, the film is sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
Who are the lead actors of The Great Departure?
Xavier Samuel and Sonal Sehgal have been cast as the leads in The Great Departure.
Who is the producer and director of The Great Departure?
The film is produced by Arvind Reddy’s KVR Productions and directed by Pierre Filmon.
What is the theme of The Great Departure?
The film explores patriarchy in society through the experiences of a man and a woman who meet in Varanasi.
Who wrote the script for The Great Departure?
Sonal Sehgal wrote the script during the lockdown.
Credit: deadline.com
