MUMBAI: It was no time to be horsing around, on sets of the Shahid Kapoor- Ileana D’Cruz starrer ‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ here in Mehboob studios in Mumbai. For all the horsing around was done by a real life horse!

Yes, the upcoming comedy film starring Shahid and Ileana has begun its shooting, and the crew has already roped in a surprise for the lead pair. After shooting in Karnataka for a few crucial portions of ‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’, where Shahid reportedly picked up the local language Kannada, the team is back in Mumbai and raring to go.

‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ is yet another mad comedy from the Rajkumar Santoshi stables (of ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani’ fame; that delectably wickedly funny 2010 film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif). By the looks of it, ‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ will be even bigger and madder in its funniness quotient.

Shahid is visibly playing the role of a police officer in the film, and we spotted the sexy ‘Jab We Met’ star in a tight fitted policeman uniform, which made him look even more macho.

By contrast, his pretty co-star Ileana (who made her critically acclaimed debut in ‘Barfi!’ opposite Ranbir) looked simply elegant in a white top and blue skinnies, and was seen riding a white mare. Shahid had his brown steed, and the director Rajkumar Santoshi joined in the fun by riding a chestnut brown horse. Perhaps Santoshi will be seen in this scene, much like his special appearances in his other films.

‘Phata Poster Nikla Hero’ will release later this year.