SCOOP: Farhan Akhtar in Ashutosh Gowariker's next?

Though rumour mills have been abuzz for a while about how after a six-year stint in front of the camera, Farhan Akhtar will wear a director's hat again with the third installment of his hit franchise Don, Mumbai Mirror has learnt that he has just okayed his first film of the year.

This film will be helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker. As per a source, unlike many of Ashutosh's previous films - Lagaan, which was set during the British Raj in India, Jodhaa Akbar which was a historical romance, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, a period drama set in the 1930s against the backdrop of the Chittagong Uprising and Mohenjo Daro, which referenced the Indus Valley civilisation - this film has a contemporary setting.

The source told the tabloid, "Ashutosh is taking a break from history and serious subjects with a stylish, modern, action-packed caper which unfolds in Europe. Farhan is the leading man. The hunt for an actress opposite him, as also other members of the cast, is underway," adds the source.

This pairing may come as a surprise to some, but Farhan's and Ashutosh's journey goes back to almost 16 years when Ashutosh was busy with Lagaan and Farhan with his directorial debut, Dil Chahta Hai which released in the same year. "The film had one actor in common, Aamir Khan, who was shooting for them almost simultaneously and the two directors were juggling for his dates. Little did Farhan know then that one day he would be directed by Ashutosh. They have been discussing this project for a couple of months, it will roll this year," the source added.