Sushant Singh Rajput takes the lead role on Shekhar Kapur and Yash Raj Films’ Paani.

Paani tells the story of a future dystopia in which water is owned by international corporations, who use it as a weapon of control. The film focuses on a love story between two young people in a dystopian city that breaks all the rules and which, in the ensuing war, brings water back to the people.

Director Shekhar Kapur said of the casting: “Sushant is one of the most inspiring young actors to emerge out of India. It’s going to be an exciting director-actor collaboration with him on Paani.”

Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film will have a mixed western and Indian cast, with Rajput being partnered by a western female lead. Music is by A. R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) and filming will take place both in India and overseas in mid-2014.