Maqbool director Visha Bharadwaj’s Bollywood version of Othello will be shot mostly in the dusty, merciless terrains of Uttar Pradesh. Bharadwaj, who is currently immersed in pre-production work, will start shooting early next year.

Star cast of Kareena, Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi and Konkona Sen-Sharma have been finalised for Bharadwaj’s Othello. Ayesha Takia is also expected to join the line-up.

Kareena can’t get over the experience of hearing the script. “What a fantastic script!” she gasps. “Just like Maqbool restructured Macbeth, this time Vishal has interpreted Othello so powerfully! After making this film Vishal will be among the top three directors of the country.”

“The characters are so well-etched. Not just my character, everyone is amazing. The dialogues are to die for. Very hard-hitting and intense. I haven’t been so excited about any film recently. I can’t wait to start shooting.”