Abundantia Entertainment and Almighty Motion Picture have joined hands to produce a feature film based on the Kodaikanal mercury contamination controversy in Tamil Nadu.

According to a PTI report from Mumbai today,the film will be based on journalist and author Ameer Shahul’s investigative book ‘Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal’, published by Pan Macmillan. The film is currently in pre-production, with the main casting process underway.

The story will focus on the mercury contamination controversy linked to a thermometer factory in Kodaikanal. The issue came to light in 2001 after mercury-contaminated waste was found in the area, leading to a long campaign involving former factory workers, local residents and environmental activists.

The film will explore the experiences of people affected by the controversy and the wider issues of worker safety, corporate responsibility and environmental impact. It is being developed as a corporate and environmental thriller with an investigative storyline.

Abundantia Entertainment is led by Vikram Malhotra, while Almighty Motion Picture is led by Prabhleen Sandhu. The project adds to Almighty Motion Picture’s slate of stories based on real events and institutions.The film is expected to go on floors soon. The makers are yet to announce the director, cast and other details.