Sanju's most costly jungle film

The actor is set to star in a film set in the jungles of South Africa; his banner will produce the film to be directed by Soham Shah

From Munnabhai to dreaded gangsters, Sanjay Dutt has played them all. Now, for his banner, Sanjay Dutt Productions, he will play a character after his own heart, that of a wildlife lover. Set in the wildlife sanctuaries of South Africa, the film will be directed by Soham Shah of Luck and Kaal fame. Says Dutt: "I'm making a thriller set in the National wildlife parks of South Africa."

Director's flops... so what?
Dutt is currently in South Africa, scouting locations for the same film before he starts shooting for Indra Kumar's Dhamaal, Raj Kumar Santoshi's next with Amitabh Bachchan, Rohit Shetty's All The Best 2 and JP Dutta's next. The fact that both of Soham's previous films have been duds has not shaken Dutt's faith in him. "So what if Soham's films have not worked so far? I have full faith. I've always stood by people who are written off."

With an estimated budget of Rs 70 crore, Dutt's film is expected to be one of the most expensive films made on the subject of wildlife in Asia. Apparently, he wants to make it in English and Hindi and target it at a global audience. "I have time till the end of August. I want to explore the national parks and select locations for Soham's film."

The film is close to his heart because the rugged outdoors, specially wildlife sanctuaries, have always fascinated him. As a child, he would take off with his father for hunting expeditions, until they were declared illegal. Shah shares the same passion: "The minute Sanju Sir heard the idea, he jumped at it. The story is based on a real-life character and it's set in the previous decade. Sanju Sir will be travelling to Africa and South Africa to explore the national parks and negotiate with various governments for possible collaborations."

Apparently, the Tanzanian government has shown a keen interest in collaborating with him.