A source close to the project added: "In fact Kareena wasn't sure she wanted to do 'Agent Vinod' because the title clearly indicated whom the film belonged to. But Saif convinced Kareena that her role would be at par with his. Then he convinced Sriram (Raghavan), with whom Saif has a deep rapport since they did 'Ek Hasina Thi' (2004), to make sure Kareena's presence in the film is justified."

And here is where the problem creeps in. While Saif-Kareena are looking to do a high-gloss big-budget espionage thriller, director Raghavan is looking at making a gritty life-like spy drama.

Raghavan admits that the film will be more in the mood of Mani Shankar's "Mukhbiir" than director Deepak Bahry's 1977 movie "Agent Vinod". At the same time he says the high budget of the new-age "Agent Vinod" forbids any over-experimentation.

"I grew up watching those really filmy spy films like 'Farz', 'Aankhen', 'Yakeen' and of course Rajshris' 'Agent Vinod'. I've been fascinated by the genre. However, times have changed and so have definitions of espionage. My film will occupy a more real space," said Raghavan.

"I've never worked on this kind of budget before. And I can't afford to be experimental. The market has to be kept in mind. So there will be music and songs. But no lip sync songs," said Raghavan.

Indo-Asian News Service