Priyanka to play female lead in 'Zanjeer' remake

Mumbai: "I will discuss the 'Zanjeer' remake script with Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar once it's ready", says first-time producer Amit Mehra, adding that they bought the rights of the film. Talks are on with Priyanka Chopra to play the female lead in the film to go on floors next month.

"Yes, we have bought the rights of 'Zanjeer' in January 2012. I am going to meet Javed Akhtar and Salim sir soon. I want their blessings before I start the film," Amit told IANS.

Amit is the son of Prakash Mehra, who had produced and directed the original 'Zanjeer'. Released in 1973, the film was Amitabh Bachchan's first blockbuster and established him as the 'angry young man' of the Hindi cinema.

The action thriller's screenplay and dialogues were co-written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan.

At an event in Patna, Javed Akhtar complained that the producers didn't consult them before going ahead with the remake plans of 'Zanjeer' and he also said that for any change in the original screenplay, the consent of the writer should be taken.

When told about it, Amit said: "This is my first film as a producer. However, the film will be more or less the same as that of the original, but in a more modernised way. Dialogues play a very important role in films. We are still working on the script. I will discuss the script with Salim sir and Javed Akhtar once it's ready."

"We will start shooting from next month here itself. The entire film will be shot in Mumbai," he added.

Telugu actor Ram Charan has been finalised to step into Big B's role, while Priyanka is being considered to reprise Jaya Bachchan's role in the modern version of the movie.

"We have officially signed Ram Charan as the hero of the film. We are in talks with Priyanka Chopra as the leading lady. However, nothing has been finalised till now. Hopefully, we will soon make an official announcement," said Amit.

He has roped in Apoorva Lakhia to direct the movie.

When asked about the remake and copyright issues, Lakhia told IANS: "I am directing the film. We will start the shooting from April. I am not the right person to comment anything right now. Producer Amit Mehra is be the right person."