Toni Collette and Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) have joined the cast of

Toni Collette and Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) have joined the cast of the thriller Defiant. The film is based on the true story of a double honor killing in India. Muslim men are allowed to marry non-Muslim women per Islamic law (in order to “take over the reproductive capabilities of the enemy), but Muslim women are not allowed to marry non-Muslim men. In May of 2011, two Muslim women allegedly killed their daughters because they had eloped and married migrant Bihari Hindu laborers.

Deadline reports that Patel will play Hari, “a young man who is, along with his girlfriend, trying to escape vengeful parents who want to kill the lovers to stop them marrying.” Colette will play a journalist covering the story who is drawn into danger. Bill Bennett is set to direct, and the project will be shopped to buyers at Cannes.