MUMBAI : The makers of the Goa Gutkha brand of Paan Masala will shortly foray into film production, it is reliably learnt.

Ahmed H Siddiquee, credited with directing television serials, will direct the company’s maiden venture. Confirming the developments, Siddiquee says, “The founders, J M Joshi and Sachin Joshi, are producing a movie titled Bombay to Goa, budgeted  around Rs 40 to 50 million (Rs four to five crore). They have already floated their production house, JMJ Advertising and Marketing.”

Siddiquee insists that the film will not bear any similarities to S Raamanathan directorial venture by the same name released in 1972, starring Mehmood, Amitabh Bachchan, Aroona Irani and Shatrughan Sinha.

The proposed film is a thriller with a few comedy elements thrown in. “We are in the pre-production stages and everything will be finalised shortly,” says the director.