In June, mid-day reported that filmmaker Ritesh Batra of The Lunchbox (2013) fame was developing a cross-cultural romance featuring a mix of Indian and international cast (Shuddh videsi romance, June 28). Now, it looks like the acclaimed filmmaker has found the leads to bring alive his love story. Mid-day has exclusively learnt that French actor Julie Delpy, known for the wildly popular ‘Before’ trilogy, is likely to star in the yet-untitled film. This news comes on the back of months-long rumours that Anil Kapoor has been zeroed in on to play the male lead.

A source says, “The film is a love story between an Indian man and a foreigner. In Julie, who is naturally charismatic on screen, Ritesh has found the perfect actor to lead his sensitive romantic drama. It aligns with the cinematic sensibility of the actor, who is known for her films that balance humour, love, and realism beautifully.”