Issue-based realistic cinema is what Sudhir Mishra is known for, but the director has changed track and surprised everyone by announcing "an out-and-out action film" for which he is collaborating with Anubhav Sinha of "Ra.One" fame.

"We haven't decided if that would be my next film. It all depends on 'Mehrunissa'. If that takes off, then I'll do the film for Anubhav next," Mishra said when contacted.

Apparently Sinha's friend Shah Rukh Khan is being persuaded to play the main lead, while Irrfan Khan, Arunoday Singh and Vidyut Jamwal are being slotted into the other parts.

A source said: "The script (of Mishra's actioner) is a kickass combination of cerebral and physical action, a kind of 'Bourne Identity' meeets Jackie Chaan. It will have a huge star cast and some of the most elaborate action scenes seen on this side of the Hong Kong Kung Fu films."

The film is ready to go on the floors. But it may be pushed forward if Mishra gets the final cast of his ambitious project "Mehrunissa" in place however, Amitabh Bachchan is yet to give his final nod to "Mehrunissa".