Indian Hollywood filmmaker set to cast Johnny Depp in next

By Agencies

After making waves at Cannes with his maiden film, India-born Hollywood director Nagendra Karri is all set to strike it big as the filmmaker is in talks with heavyweights Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe for his second film 'Mobster' with Depp being his favourite.

Born in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, 26-year-old filmmaker whose first film 'Where are you Sophia' got the opportunity to be screened at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, hopes to rope in the 'Pirates of the Carribean' actor for the thriller.

"Yes, we are in talks with the three actors but I am particular pushing for Johnny Depp. He has shown keen interest in the script. We are also in touch with agents of Eva Green for one of the main characters in the film," Karri who was the city to promote 'Where are you Sophia' said.

'Mobster' is about organisational crime and its domino effect on the people. The story revolves around an ex-CIA whose life gets affected by it and how he changes the order of the mob. The story begins in New York and then travels India to end in Moscow, he said.

Karri is also planning to make the Hindi version of the film simultaneously and wants to cast Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for the lead role.

"I have some actors in mind. Aamir and Kamal Hasan are the two I would love to cast. Abhishek Bachchan and Rahul Bose are also in my wish list. I intend to talk with them in the coming weeks," Karri said.

The movie is slated to roll in September this year.

But before embarking on this huge project Karri has brought his first directorial venture 'Where are you Sophia' to his home country and is set to release the film in September.

"It is an unconventional film which will generate curiosity in the Indian audience. I am hoping that people would love to see the film made by an Indian Hollywood filmmaker. I am looking forward to support here," said the director whose film generated a buzz at Cannes.

"The fact that it was an independent film which gained entry in the Cannes Film festival 2009 was huge for me. It went to have a successful screening, with more than 2000 people watching the film and applauding it," he added.

A 92-minute-suspense-thriller, the film is about a chance encounter between a journalist played by Amanda Boyd and a stranger (Peter Elias). She takes him on a journey where he is introduced to the realms of the unknown, which only he can unravel as he faces the mysterious forces in the evil town of Highlands.

When asked that how does he expect the reception of the film here considering the fact that it doesn't have a famous star cast, the filmmaker said, "I think the Indian audience has started appreciating good scripts. So I am hoping that my film will score."

Source: Screen India.