'Atrangi Re': Sara, Dhanush to shoot in Bihar and Madurai

The film, co-produced by Rai with Akshay and Bhushan Kumar (T-Series), will go on floors in March.

While Sara and Dhanush will start shooting in Bihar and Madurai (Tamil Nadu) in the first schedule, Akshay, who reportedly has a "special character", would join the filming in mid-April.

With a total shooting schedule of 80-90 days, the movie will be wrapped up in July.

Describing the film as a mix of two Indian cultures, Rai told Mumbai Mirror, "All my characters are 'funnily weird' and it's their emotional journey."

Talking about the fascinating cast of the film, Rai stated, "I don't see casting as a task you need to pull off. I look for partners who are as emotionally charged as me on the journey."

Talking about his role, Akshay had earlier told Bombay Times, "When he [Rai] narrated the film to me, I said 'yes' within 10 minutes."

"It is a challenging character to play, but at the same time, it is such a special role that my heart just couldn't say 'no' to it. I will remember it for the rest of my life," he added.

Atrangi Re marks Rai's first collaboration with Sara and Akshay, and second with Dhanush, after the 2013 release Raanjhanaa.

The film has been produced by T-Series, Color Yellow Productions, and Cape of Good Films. It's penned by National award-winning writer Himanshu Sharma.

AR Rahman will be composing the music.

It is set to release around Valentine's Day, February 14, next year.