Akshaye to be paired with Vidya Balan

Warner Bros Pictures India has entered into a deal for the production and distribution of three films from Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja's People Tree Films.

Advani directed Warner's first Hindi production, Chandni Chowk To China, which is scheduled for release on Jan 16, 2009.


The three-picture slate includes rom-com Jaane Kahaa Se Aayi Hai directed by newcomer Milap Zaveri and starring Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ruslaan Mumtaz. Under production, the film is scheduled for a summer 2009 release.

In addition, Advani will direct a second feature for Warner Bros India entitled Chandbhai, set to star Akshay Khanna and Vidya Balan.

The third film, entitled Basra , is a spy thriller, starring Akshaye Khanna, which will be directed by Navdeep Singh, whose credits include the indie noir film Manorama Six Feet Under.

Speaking on the deal, Richard Fox, executive vice president, Warner Bros International said: "Nikhil Advani and Mukesh Talreja are dynamic creative individuals whose vision we share. We hope to have a long and successful association with People Tree Films."

Blaise Fernandes, country head, Warner Bros Pictures India, added: "It's a pleasure to associate with People Tree Films after working with them on Chandni Chowk To China which has shaped up extremely well."

Talreja said of the deal: "We are proud to associate with Warner Bros for three more films after Chandni Chowk To China. We are looking at releasing Jaane Kahaa Se Aayi Hai in the summer of 2009, Chandbhai during Diwali 2009 and Basra at the end of 2009."

People Tree Films aims to introduce and nurture acting and technical talent.

(Screen)

Oh goody! Plus he gets to be seen in a noir. I am officially dead and am in heaven. Noir? If he killed us in the listless 36 Chinatown, imagine what he could do in a stylist gritty thriller!

BTW, the news is all in the foreign media, so this info could be reliable. Praying that it is. I love Nikhil Advani. Also, very glad that Akshaye finally found a smart production house to back him up with worthy projects.