Hirani to direct biopic on Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir to play Dutt.

In this era of bio-pics galore here comes the mother of all biographical tales.

The harrowing, exciting,exhilarating, damning and devastating story of Sanjay Dutt's life is all set to go on screen.

Yes, Dutt's story will now be put on screen.And the director chosen for this daunting task is none other than Dutt's Munnabhai maker Raj Kumar Hirani.

The decision was taken about a week before Dutt returned to jail after his parole period was over.

Says a source close to the project, "Maanyata Bhabhi was keen on a film being made on her husband's life for Sanjay Dutt Productions. But the couple wanted only Raj Kumar Hirani to direct the film. Sanju Sir has created magic with Raju in Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai."

Hirani,it seems, was busy with PK and not willing to commit to any other project until he was done with one. Also, the material and the facts underlining Sanjay Dutt's life were too vast and controversial.

But both Maanyata and Sanjay Dutt were adamant.

Says the source, "Finally has said yes to a film on the life of Sanjay Dutt. He will start researching and putting the project together after he completes the post-production of PK."

In a very significant related development Ranbir Kapoor has agreed to play Dutt.

Says the source, "Both Maanyata Bhabhi and Sanju Sir wanted Ranbir to play Sanjay Dutt in Hirani's film. Ranbir is a diehard Dutt fan. And he has readily agreed to play the role."

Hence if all goes well Hirani and Ranbir Kapoor would come together for the first time to tell Sanjay Dutt's story.

With the director and the leading man in place it's only a matter of time before the Dutt bio-pic takes off,

Apparently Sanjay Dutt's brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav would also be closely associated with the project.