MUMBAI: Shemaroo Films the film production division of home video firm Shemaroo has announced plans to produce several films.

It had produced its first film Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye six months back. Vishal Bharadwaj's Maqbool, Makdee next project is scheduled to go on the floor in January 2006. The film is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello which deals with envy and ambition. The film will star Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi and Kareena Kapoor. Talks are on with two other female leads and one leading actor to complete the ensemble.

Director Sangeeth Sivan who made the hit Kya Kool Hai Hum will also direct a Shemaroo film. Even as the nitty-gritties of this venture are being discussed, Shemaroo has also signed director Rohit Shetty, who had directed Ajay Devgan and Abhishek Bachchan in Zameen and is currently shooting for his forthcoming film Gol Maal. The film will be scripted by Neeraj Vora.

Shemaroo is looking to produce five to seven films in the next two years. The company says that the past six months have seen intense planning and dedication from the team, which has brought in eminent directors on board to direct Shemaroo's forthcoming ventures. Serious with its commitments and pooling in the best resources in the industry, Shemaroo plans to present several new ventures in 2006-07. These projects are aimed to be multi-starrers with the production house leaving no stone unturned to make the best of each opportunity.

Other projects are currently under discussion to fill the release pipeline for 2007. Shemaroo will also be looking into producing video and TV films over a period of time.

Shemaroo VP Hiren Gada says, "Shemaroo received a tremendous response from partners and sponsors for its first film for its sheer professionalism and production value. We believe our forthcoming ventures will be welcomed with an even better response."