VivekApoorva Lakhia seems to have pulled off the impossible – signed up Abhishek and Viveik for his next thriller, for which a crack team of Hollywood technicians and FX specialist is being assembled by the producer Suniel Shetty.

Belying recent reports that Abhishek had turned down a role in Mission Istanbul because Viveik too was included in the cast, Mumbai Mirror reports that the two star will not just feature in the film but share screen space.

“Why should they have a problem? Abhishek is a thorough professional. He has no problem with anybody,” says producer Suniel Shetty, somewhat facetiously we believe.

“Yes, they do have scenes together in Mission Istanbul. And I’m sure they’ll do them splendidly. It’s very unfair to bring in personal matters to question their professionalism. The script is still being worked out. Neither Abhishek nor Viveik have expressed any misgivings about working together. There’s unnecessary speculation,” he adds.

Mission Istanbul will be shot exclusively in Istanbul and feature four lead roles.

“We’ve already confirmed Bobby Deol, Viveik, Abhishek, Shabbir Ahluwaliah. Tusshar Kapoor has problems with the combined dates required with the other actors. The problem is now being worked out…,” says Suniel.

The female leads are yet to be finalized for the fast paced action thriller.

“They’re integral to the action. I need ladies who can kick ass as effectively as the boys,” he adds.

Suniel, is in the process of assembling a crack team of technicians and FX specialists for the film. “I’m getting top-notch technicians associated with the best of Hollywood cinema. We’re spending Rs 25-30 crore on Mission Istanbul. I’m ready to spend more. I trust my director Apoorva Lakhia completely.”

Suniel’s next project Raaste, will feature Abhishek, Aishwarya, John and Sikandar Kher.

See Also