Xavier Samuel and Sonal Sehgal are all set to star as leads in The Great Departure, a film from director Pierre Filmon, a Camera d’Or nominee. Produced by Arvind Reddy under KVR Productions, the project recently wrapped filming in India and is currently in post-production. Sehgal penned the script during the lockdown, originally titling it Travellers.
The story delves into societal patriarchy, following a man and woman who meet by chance in Varanasi. Their shared road trip, filled with vastly different experiences, leads to an unexpected romance. Samuel, known for his roles in Twilight: Eclipse and Blonde, stars alongside Sehgal, who gained recognition in films like Aashayein.
The film also marks a significant milestone for KVR Productions, which is relaunching under the leadership of Arvind Reddy, grandson of the iconic South Indian filmmaker KV Reddy.
Xavier Samuel’s career highlights include appearances in Adore with Robin Wright and Naomi Watts, Love and Friendship alongside Kate Beckinsale, and the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy Champagne Problems. He also starred in the TNT series Tell Me Your Secrets.
Pierre Filmon, celebrated for his 2016 Camera d’Or-nominated documentary Close with Vilmos Zsigmond and his 2022 Venice-premiered film Jerry Schatzberg, Landscape Portrait, brings his signature storytelling to this India-set narrative.
Sehgal's works also include Ghajini, Radio and Damadamm!. She was last seen in the ZEE5 original film, Forbidden Love, in 2020.
