Hrithik stars in Karan Malhotra's SHUDDHI

After the super success of Dharma Productions' 'Agneepath' last year, producer Karan Johar, director Karan Malhotra and Hrithik Roshan are teaming up again. Unlike their first collaboration, a remake of the 1991 movie produced by Yash Johar (Karan's late father), the next venture is based on an original story. Titled 'Shuddhi', the film starts end-2013 and will release in Diwali 2014.

About the film, KJo says, "It's a large-scale love story, a genre I love." Recalling the making ofAgneepath, he says, "I had a wonderful experience. Karan (Malhotra) has a fantastic vision, a combination of aesthetic and commercial sense. Hrithik is a close friend and an outstanding actor. So, it's great that the three of us are teaming up again."

Hrithik says, "I'm really excited to work with the two Karans again. Agneepath is an extremely special film for me and I can't wait to recreate a new world again."

Incidentally, this will be KJo's second Diwali outing since his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Hoping that the festival will be as lucky forShuddhi as it was for KKHH, he says, "Diwali is also synonymous with films that entertain the entire family. Shuddhi is a love story that gives you everything that you look for in a festive release. I hope that we live up to the expectations that Agneepath has generated."

KJo says, "Karan has been preparing for this film for over a year. I've never seen a director work a year in advance on pre-production."

Buzz is that Katrina Kaif will not be the leading lady in Karan Malhotra's next with Hrithik Roshan. Apparently, it's the role of a desi babe and Kat's too glamourous for it. It's also said that Kat, who did the Chikni Chameli (the USP) number in 'Agneepath', never got along with the director of the film.

In the meantime, for those who are waiting to hear about which film Katrina would do post her Bang Bang outing, there's news in the Bollywood trade circles that she could be the leading lady of Saif Ali Khan's home production being helmed by the Cocktail director, Homi Adajania. And yes, if Kat greenlights this film, it will be her second outing with her Race co-star, Saif.