In a great B-town coup Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar have joined hands to produce a film, which will be directed by Punit Malhotra (I Hate Luv Storys fame). Akshay will play one of the leads in the two-hero movie, the shooting of which is scheduled to start early next year. The other male lead will be revealed next week.

Says KJo, "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’s solid and hardhitting. Punit brought me this amazing script. I immediately approached Akshay and he was equally thrilled with the idea."

Talking about Akki, he says, "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." Adds Akshay, "We’re two very passionate producers with one great aim " to entertain.

Both Karan and I want to make our fathers proud. Cheers to our new venture."Karan’s mother Hiroo Johar and Akshay’s wife Twinkle Khanna will co-produce the film. KJo, who’s been one of Twinkle’s close friends from childhood, is emotional about this relationship. "This association is not just professional, but also emotional.

I’ve known Tina (as Twinkle is affectionately called by those close to her) since the age of four," he says, adding, "I’m so excited that she and my mother are co-producers." Talking about the director, Karan says, "Before we start our movie with Akshay, Punit will direct Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a love story."