Akshay Kumar to star in Karan Johar's film

Mumbai: Director-producer Karan Johar has teamed up with actor Akshay Kumar for the first time on a film to be directed by 'I Hate Luv Storys' helmer Punit Malhotra. Akshay will play one of the leads in the two-hero movie, the shooting of which is scheduled to begin early next year. The other male lead will be announced next week.

"I can't divulge too much now. But what I can definitely say is that the movie is mainstream and has a very strong underlying social message. It is solid and hard hitting. Punit brought me this amazing script. I immediately approached

Akshay and he was equally thrilled with the idea," Karan said in a statement.

Karan\'s mother Hiroo Johar and Akshay\'s wife Twinkle Khanna will co-produce the film.

Talking about Akshay, Johar said, "If Dharma Productions has to collaborate with Akshay, then it has to be the right kind of film. And, as I said earlier, this one, apart from being commercial, has a strong voice."

On the collaboration, Akshay said, "We are two very passionate producers with one great aim to entertain. Both Karan and I want to make our fathers proud."

Karan's mother Hiroo Johar and Akshay's wife Twinkle Khanna will co-produce the film.

Before the film with Akshay kick starts, Punit will direct Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a love story titled 'Gori Tere Pyar Mein', which goes on floors in March.

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