Odishatv Bureau
Mumbai: Filmmaker Chandraprakash Dwivedi`s new offering `Mohalla Assi` will see Bollywood actor Sunny Deol in a new avatar, essaying the role of a dhoti-clad orthodox religious priest.

"The movie is based on Dr Kashinath Singh`s novel `Kashi Ka Assi`. Assi is a ghat in Banaras and the film is based in a famous and historical `Mohalla` (locality) on the southern end of Banaras and the River bank of Ganga," Dwivedi who dons the directorial hat seven years after Urmila Matondkar-Manoj Bajpai starrer `Pinjar` said.

Starring Sunny Deol, Ravi Kishen and Sakshi Tanwar, the film, set in the post-independence period, is slated to release in August 2011.

The director said Sunny Deol plays the lead role in the movie and takes on a very fresh and different character, of an orthodox religious priest (Pundit).

"Sunny is determined to do justice to every aspect of his role, including his look. He will be donning the full garb of a pundit, all the way from the typical `dhoti`, `kurta`, `gamcha`, `kolhapuri chappals`...right down to the `choti` on his head," Dwivedi said.

Speaking about his new look, Sunny said, "the script of `Mohalla Assi` is very different and interesting, especially the character I play is very unique- its not quite like anything I have played yet. You will see me in an entirely new avatar. Its true that I will be playing a pundit; therefore, I will be dressed in clothes that are typical for a pundit, with a `choti` to complete the look."

Dwivedi said the movie is a satire and Sunny just seemed like someone that could do justice to the character, as he has proven to play serious roles equally as good as he plays comic roles.

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