In early May, acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi wrapped up his first India-based film at Mumbai's Filmistan Studio on a chawl set. Beyond the Clouds, featuring debutant Ishaan Khatter and Malayalam actress Malavika Mohanan, revolves around a pair of siblings and the bonding they share. Now, Mirror has learnt that the 58-year-old filmmaker has already started working on his next film and what's interesting is that it is again set in India.

Titled Gold Mine, it is reportedly a subject the filmmaker stumbled upon during his frequent visits to North India and has been developing it since. Majidi recently visited the location where his story is based for a recce.

Shareen Mantri Kedia, with whom the filmmaker will be collaborating for a second time, confirmed the news, saying, “We share a common thought that India is a virtual gold mine of compelling stories with a global connect and are happy taking India to the world.“ Her co-producer Kishor Arora revealed that casting will begin in two months and the film is expected to roll by mid-2018.

Majidi himself is completely fascinated by the ambience in India which he describes as “magical and incomparable“. “There exists a wonderful relationship between humans and nature here and the undying spirit of the people, despite all hardships, is unbelievable. All this inspires me to shoot my next film in India and be the narrator of this effort of men, women and children, whose love for life encourages them to stay strong and rise over and above any hurdles that come in their path,“ he says, adding that he has always believed India has many stories to tell with its myriad cultures and people from different milieus.

The makers refused to divulge further details.