Eshwar Niwas , who won the National Award for his film Shool (1999), is all set to direct a new action-thriller. Titled Gumnaam, the film will be backed by Jayantilal Gada . Though the title of the film is similar to NN Sippy's Gumnaam, it has nothing to do with that film and will be based on a completely fresh story. The makers have just used the title, but it’s a different plot altogether. But the big revelation about the project is that it might star Akshaye Khanna and megastar Amitabh Bachchan .

A source revealed, "Mr Bachchan has liked the idea. But he has not locked his dates for the film as he is already committed to a few projects. He’s trying to figure out if he can fit this movie in his date diary. Everyone’s awaiting his approval because it’s only after his confirmation that the other cast members will be finalized.”

The source also added that Akshaye Khanna has also been approached for the role. “Akshaye has just done Ittefaq which was also a suspense thriller, so he’s taking time to give his nod to the project; though he knows he won’t be playing a sleuth in this one but will be one of the prime suspects,” said the source.

For the female leads, the team has spoken to Swara Bhaskar and Shriya Saran . Swara had given her verbal nod when she was first approached for this film. Later Shriya too confirmed to be part of the film.

The film will go floors once all the actors give their final confirmation.