Amitabh to play a genie in Sujoy Ghosh's mega-fantasy

If "Jhankaar Beats" director Sujoy Ghosh had his way, he would have cast Amitabh Bachchan in a realistic train drama called "Borivali" two years ago.

"That didn't work out. But I'll make 'Borivali' only with Amitabh," Ghosh told IANS from his home in Darlington in northeast England.

"But now my dream is coming true. I'm directing Amitabh in a film to be produced by the Sippys (Ramesh and Rohan Sippy)."

Tentatively entitled "Alladin & The Mystery Of The Lamp", the film has Amitabh Bachchan playing a genie. It is expected to take children's cinema from India to an international level.

"I'm making a children's fantasy - an Arabian nights kind of spectacle with the best possible special effects and the most advanced technique of storytelling," said Ghosh.

It looks like "Krrish", followed by "Dhoom 2" have brought in the magic of high-octane FX into Bollywood. Ghosh's film will have some of the most eye-catching spectacles ever seen in Indian cinema.

"In fact, I'm right now scouting for international talent to do the special-effects. I've my wish list of technicians and I hope to get them all. We'll arrive at an approximate budget only after the special effects are in place. But it's bound to be large.

"Amitabh is very clear about the fact that if he's doing a children's film the production value has to be on par with international standards. The confidence comes from getting to work with the world's best star-actor. You've to admit that working with AB is a dream come true, a long-cherished fantasy. That's why I'm making a fantasy film with him."

This won't be Amitabh's first fantasy film. He did Shashi Kapoor's "Ajooba" many years ago. But it would certainly be his first children's film and almost certainly the only time he'll get to play a genie.