Radhika Apte, Kal Penn and Melissa Leo star in ‘The Ashram’

Indian film producer Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment is taking her first step into making international language cinema with The Ashram, for which she has roped in actors like Kal Penn, Melissa Leo and Radhika Apte.

With Ben Rekhi as the director, the film, also starring Sam Keeley and Hera Hilmar, is an English-language spiritual fantasy thriller set in the mystical world of Himalayan yogis.

“Telling stories from India for a global audience has always been exciting. This is my first step in English language. I am looking forward to working with the amazing talent from both the worlds,” Monga said.

Kal Penn tweeted: “Pumped for this and excited to finally be working with Guneet Monga.”

Production began on Thursday in Manali in northern India. The American actors are expected to join the shoot next week, with Apte arriving earlier.

The Ashram revolves around an American sceptic Jamie, who upon receiving a cryptic message, travels to the Himalayas in India to pick up the trail of his disappeared girlfriend. What he uncovers during his journey forms the rest of the plot.

Monga is best known for co-producing films like Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox, both of which garnered critical acclaim. And she is now looking forward to make more films for the world.