Mumbai: UTV Motion Pictures has joined hands with Prakash Jha Productions for the director’s next production Rajneeti.

The film is based on the story by Jha and Anjum Rajabali has worked along with Jha on Rajneeti’s screenplay for the last four years. The movie stars Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Katrina Kaif and Naseeruddin Shah. The first schedule of the film has been completed and second schedule is likely to begin soon. The film is slated for release in the first half of 2010.

“Rajneeti was an easy decision as it is the mother of all dramas with politics as the background and who is more adept and accomplished than Prakash Jha to pull off a film based on politics. Prakash has always believed in the concept of ‘Cinema with Power’ and we look forward to a great story with Rajneeti too. I am sure this wonderful association will be fruitful to both the parties. We are eagerly looking forward to this project,” said UTV chairman and CEO Ronnie Screwvala.

“We take pride and comfort in our association with UTV which has always believed in quality cinema. I am grateful to my long time friend Manmohan Shetty who continues the association through Walkwater Media Limited. And I feel truly blessed to have the finest set of dedicated actors and technicians working with me. With Bhopal as its backdrop and five thousand trained actors from all over Madhya Pradesh working on the films landscape, Rajneeti is truly my most exciting and ambitious venture,” added Jha.