Director of Shootout at Lokhandwala, Apoorva Lakhia is in talks with Sagarika Ghatge (Preeti Sabarwal of Chak De India) for his next film, Mission Istanbul which is co-produced by Suniel Shetty and Ekta Kapoor. Shreya Saran, who is also one of the lead actresses, has already been signed for the film; she was last seen in the film Awarapan.

"Mission Istanbul is about a person, who is stuck in extraordinary circumstances, in the world of terrorism. The main character is fictional but the situation around him is real; like in the film, Last King of Scotland. "There is definitely no 'Osama' in this story" clarifies Apoorva Lakhia. "The shooting of the film would start by October 20. It's a 60-day schedule and would be completed by February. We hope to release the film by summer next year", adds the director.

On asking about the character of the leading actresses he said, "Shreya would be a news reporter, it's a facet role whilst the other actress will play the role of a RAW analysis agent." Apoorva further confirms, "Sagarika surely is among the ones who we looked at for the second role but she has not been signed for the film."

It was heard that Suniel Shetty is doing a special appearance in this film; however the director corrects it saying, "Suniel is very much doing the film, not as a special appearance; its Abhishek Bachchan who's giving a special appearance in the film. The other star cast of the film includes Zayed Khan and Vivek Oberoi."

"The locations selected for the shoot include Turkey, Istanbul, Mumbai, Jaisalmer and Antalia. So far there have been no problems with the locations, I just returned from Istanbul yesterday" he adds.

After Mission Istanbul, Apoorva has three projects lined up. "I have signed a film with Tips and one with HMV. However I will also be doing another film with Suniel Shetty as it was great fun to work with him."