Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal is venturing into comedy for the first time.

His venture, titled Mahadev ka Sajjanpur, features comic actor Shreyas Talpade with Amrita Rao.

The story is set in a village and revolves around Mahadev, a semi-literate character who makes a living by writing letters.

The film promises to be unlike any Benegal film seen before, with one song even featuring a fantasy sequence.

Speaking about the dream sequence number, Shreyas says, "It's a fantasy that is meant to be part of the central character, Mahadev's imagination."

"I am supposed to be a sensual person whereas Shreyas does his funnygiri," says Amrita, with a laugh.

Shyam Benegal says he has kept matters straightforward.

"I have tried to play with a simple storyline, with subtle touches of humour thrown in," he explains.

Apart from Shreyas Talpade and Amrita Rao, Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishen will also feature in the film.

However with loud comedies (such as Welcome) winning at the box office the question remains - will a subtle comedy set in a village work?