The Lovers
Short description
The Lovers is a romance and science fiction film that follows Jay Fennel, an underwater archaeologist who falls into a coma while attempting to save his wife during a dive at a shipwreck. In this state, he is transported back to 1778 India, where he assumes the identity of James Stewart, a British officer. While navigating political instability and betrayal during the first Anglo-Maratha war, he falls in love with an Indian warrior named Tulaja. The narrative explores the connection between these two time periods and continents, suggesting that only a magical ring can resolve the conflict and save a life.
The film was directed and written by Roland Joffé, appearing eighth in a sequence of his directorial works that includes The Killing Fields and The Mission. The movie stars Josh Hartnett in the dual role of James and Jay, alongside Bipasha Basu, Tamsin Egerton, James Mackay, Alice Englert, and Simone Kessell. Produced by Bliss Media, Corsan, Limelight International Media Entertainment, and Wildkite, the project had a budget of 27 million USD. Audience reception has been largely negative, as reflected by a 4.8/10 rating on TMDB based on 76 votes.
What's left behind the scenes
- Hilary Swank suggested that Bipasha Basu audition for the role of Tulaja.
- Bipasha Basu nearly dropped out of the project due to her heavy workload in Bollywood. Director Roland Joffé wanted her to spend a full month preparing for the role, as the other actors did, but the actress could only spare one week.
- While filming in India, Alice Englert suffered heatstroke. The actress was hospitalized and spent two days in the hospital.
- Martin Delaney was set to play Matt, the young American boss of James and Laura Finnel, but he had to leave the project at the last minute to film 'Target Number One' (2012).
- Olga Kurylenko was initially considered for the role of Laura Finnell; later, it was decided to cast Neve Campbell, who eventually left the project due to pregnancy.
- Tusshar Kapoor was considered for the role of Abhay Deol, but he ultimately turned it down.
- Brendan Fraser and Vivek Oberoi were considered for roles in this film.
- Bipasha Basu took over the role of Tulaja from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who left the project due to scheduling conflicts.
Similar movies
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
