Mumbai: Sanjay Dutt would be playing the lead role of Charles in People Pictures’ forthcoming thriller Charles and I.

The movie is under production and will be helmed by director Prawaal Raman. It tells the story of an enigmatic criminal who sent the police forces in half a dozen countries on a wild-goose chase.

People Pictures CEO Aditya Shastri says, "Sanjay Dutt is a terrific human being and a gifted actor who has the versatility to play diverse roles with unbeatable flair. Hence, we are very happy that he will be playing the lead role in Charles & I. This will be our first tent pole production and a very exciting project for us."

Talking about the choice of Dutt for the lead role, writer-director of Charles & I, Raman adds, "Charles is a complex character – a charming man with a dangerous mind and dangerous intentions. Finding the right actor who has the ability to exude all these qualities at the same time was a tough call. The only actor in my opinion who fit that profile was Sanjay Dutt".

Dutt says, "It’s a great role and I look forward to working on the film."