Big B's Shoebite gets a new title - Johnny Mastana!

By Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Hungama News Network

Amitabh Bachchan's Shoebite was always a working title to begin with. Now as the film is more than 50% complete, it has got a final title for itself. The film would now be called Johnny Mastana.

Confirms a source closely attached to the film, "Yes, the film finally has a title now. It would now be known as Johnny Mastana. The film's first set of teaser posters are already out and they have Johnny Mastana imprinted on them. In any case Shoebite was never a confirmed title so it can't be said that the film has gone though a title change."

But why a title like Johnny Mastana? She reasons, "Doesn't Johnny Mastana sound more universal in nature? The film is meant for all segments of audience and Johnny Mastana gives just the right indications. We all love this title here and the moment it was first suggested, we just grabbed it with open arms."

Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, the film also stars Sarika, Jimmy Sheirgill and Dia Mirza in key roles. Shooting of Johnny Mastana has been on since early this year and moving on at a decent pace. Since the film is touted to be revolving around the journey of a man across the entire nation, it involves numerous location changes.

Nods Jimmy Sheirgill in agreement, "It is true. In fact for shooting certain sequences in the film, the time required to reach the location is more than the time we spend at the location. It has been a grueling, yet satisfying experience, for everyone involved."

The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar of Yahaan fame. Incidentally Yahaan starred Jimmy Sheirgill in the lead and got him nationwide recognition.

"The man is just made of something different", says Jimmy fondly, "He has an acumen for that perfect shot taking. Technically brilliant and quite well versed with the medium of cinema, it is a delight to be working with him on a subject as diverse as Johnny Mastana."

While others in the film's cast have been busy wrapping up their portions, Amitabh Bachchan would resume shooting for the film once he is back from 'The Unforgettable Tour' in the month of September. Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, Johnny Mastana which has music by Shantanu Moitra, is now confirmed for a 6th March, 2009 release.

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