Mumbai: Abhishek Varman's "Kalank", featuring an ensemble cast of , Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Aditya Roy Kapur, will release on April 19, next year.

The epic drama is set in the 1940s and also features Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. It is expected to go on floors at the end of the month.

Karan Johar and his father Yash Johar had first thought about making the film 15 years ago.

"'Kalank' has been an emotional journey for me! A germ of an idea that I had nearly 15 years ago... A film that was in a pre-production stage helmed by my father...

"I am now proud to pass it onto the extremely capable and visionary hands of our director Abhishek Varman! A beautifully structured story by Shibani Bathija and an exceptionally fluid narrative and screenplay by Abhishek," Karan said in a statement.

The film marks the collaboration of Fox Star Studios, Dharma Productions and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

"This multi-starrer with a story will cross all borders, under the capable direction of Abhishek Varman. It be historic in the true sense of the word... I am genuinely happy to be back with the team Fox Star and Karan Johar... This film is special to all of us!!" Sajid Nadiadwala said.

Vijay Singh of Fox Star Studios said, "We at Fox Star Studios are proud to be presenting 'Kalank', a movie with stellar and power packed cast of today's era. With Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala coming together it will be a path breaker and great team to work.  PTI