MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has signed debutant director Ayan Mukerji to direct a film, which is tentatively titled Wake Up Sid!

The film will star Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma.

The 24 year old director, Ayan Mukerji, who is also the cousin of actors Kajol and Rani Mukerji, has assisted Johar on Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

The screenplay of Wake Up Sid! has been written by Ayan. According to Johar, Wake Up Sid! is a coming of age meets a slice of life film. Plans are to release the film in summer 2009.

On the other hand, as has been already reported by Businessofcinema.com, Dharma Productions has another four films in the pipeline. Dostana directed by Tarun Mansukhani is slated to release on 14 November. The music of the film, which has been scored by Vishal and Shekhar will be released on 30 September. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty, John Abraham, Bobby Deol and Kiron Kher.

The third film from the Dharma Productions’ stable will be directed by Rensil D’ Silva. This is a thriller and will also mark the debut of D’ Silva as a director. The film is slated for release in autumn 2009. The cast comprises Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. The as yet untitled film is an edge of the seats thriller with global terrorism as a backdrop.

Marking Dharma Productions’ foray into animation will be Koochie Koochie Hota Hai, which is being co-produced by Prana Studios. The core love story is between three dogs, and the supporting cast has roosters, bears, pigs, cats, and many others from the barn. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani essay the voices for “Rocky”, “Angie”, and “Tina” respectively. Koochie Koochie Hota Hai is being directed by Tarun Mansukhani. The potential release date of the film is late summer of 2009.

Last but not the least, Johar’s next directorial venture titled My Name is Khan will go on floors in November this year. The film will be shot extensively in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington and Mumbai. According to Johar, the film will be released late next year. “At the heart of it, it’s a love story. At the soul of it, it makes a social comment, and at the whole of it, it’s a human triumph tale,” says Johar.