Vishal's next Shakespearean dilemma: to smoke or not to smoke

Mumbai, March 5 (IANS) Vishal Bhardwaj's next venture is not based on a Shakespearean play but there is an element of dilemma - to smoke or not to smoke is the question in "No Smoking".

Moving ahead after "Omkara" - based on "Othello" - Vishal has produced an entire film on anti-smoking, starring John Abraham.

"When Anurag Kashyap came to me with the script I was immediately hooked. I've always wanted to make a film against smoking. And this is a great script. Kumar Mangat (who produced 'Omkara') co-produced 'No Smoking' with me," Vishal told IANS.

When John showed interest in the project Vishal met the actor. "John himself is an occasional smoker. He identified with the project.

"I think it's right to make a film against smoking if you believe in the cause. To simply go around issuing warnings or giving 'Adults' certificates to films showing smoking serves no purpose. We need to take a more mature view of the matter. I feel very strongly about the issue and have decided to produce a film."

The story of a man, played by John, trying to quit smoking will be put across in an entertaining and non-judgemental fashion.

In the meanwhile, Vishal also is working on his next directorial venture that will be co-produced jointly by him and UTV. "I've an idea that I'm developing right now. It's not based on Shakespeare this time. But I'll definitely return to Shakespeare again," said the director who has earlier adopted "Macbeth" in "Maqbool".

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No Smoking