But when the first shot of Virudh, another commercial Hindi movie, was shot in Mumbai recently, it was different from the routine sound-of-the-clapper-board exercise for two reasons.

First, it is the first feature film to be rolled out of the revived Amitabh Bachchan Corporation and secondly the movie brings together the mega star and yesteryears' actress Sharmila Tagore on screen after nearly two decades.

The previous time Amitabh and Sharmila Tagore had featured in films was in Desh Premia, directed by late Manmohan Desai. Other stars in Virudh are Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham in the role of Amitabh's son.

It remains to be seen if Virudh turns to be a hit as it is being directed by Mahesh Manjerekar whose previous film Kaante (also starring Amitabh) a few years ago had proved a big hit, especially the film songs.

The proposed film by Amitabh Bachchan Corporation is about the crusade of an ordinary couple, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore, who fight a corrupt system after they find themselves at the receiving end of it.

'If an ordinary person is pushed to the wall, he will take on the system. That is why the film title is Virudh (Versus) as I take on the system after a particular incident changes my life,' said Amitabh.

In keeping with the story of the film, the muhurat witnessed the presence of some eminent social crusaders and environmentalists.

Why did Manjerekar choose a subject different from the usual action and romance-oriented Hindi commercial films? ' We felt that we should touch a different subject. Besides, we want to highlight the issues faced by common people,' said the director.

Amitabh is quite upbeat about his new film, which is expected to be released in May next year. He had launched his own entertainment firm Amitbah Bachchan Corporation Limited in 1995 but was soon in trouble after running up a debt of Rs 90 crore. The actor however repaid the debt and re-launched his company under a new name.

Will Amitabh prove second time lucky in his business venture? Will the pairing of the actor and Sharmila Tagore bring luck to Virudh. Only time can say.