The run up to the Fourth International Film Festival Mumbai has begun.

What sets this year's festival apart is its emphasis on the latest trends in international cinema. The world cinema section showcases films released between 1999 and 2001. Thirty countries have entered their films, including Norway, Argentina, China, Slovenia and Nepal - countries never represented before.

The Bruce Willis starrer Bandits, produced by Ashok Amritraj, opens the film festival.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra signs Rani

Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra is about to announce two of his forthcoming films simultaneously. Both have Rani Mukherjee in the main lead.

The film that Chopra will direct also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Vivek Oberoi while the other one to be directed by Vinod's assistant shall star Rani and Vivek in solo leads.

Shilpa replaces Diya

Mahesh Manjrekar approached Diya Mirza to play the lead in the Vaastav sequel Pratibimb, she demanded a whopping 50 lakh despite her debut debacle.

Shilpa Shetty was roped in instead for half that amount.

Devgan distributes LOC

Ajay Devgan has apparently taken over the the distribution rights of J P Dutta's mammoth war drama LOC.

Devgan apparently had to shell out a hefty amount for the distribution rights. His company, Devgan Entertainment had also distributed Dutta's last film, Refugee.

Compiled by:Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh