Awesome twosome

In a role-reversal of sorts,the leading Khans will now be seen with established actresses in 2012. The sudden demand for known actresses is yet another affirmation of the rising stock of female characters in Bollywood. Also,an established pair is easier to sell to audiences who are wary of new faces. Thus,Aamir Khan reunites with his Ghulam co-star Rani Mukerji in his upcoming movie Talaash. The movie also stars his 3 Idiots co-star Kareena Kapoor. Details about the movie are sketchy except that Aamir plays a cop in the movie. Aamirs good friend Salman also reunites with his Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and Yuvvraaj co-star Katrina Kaif in his Eid release Ek Tha Tiger.

Saif Ali Khan will woo real-life girlfriend Kareena Kapoor in his home production Agent Vinod after working with her in Tashan and Kurbaan.

Actresses Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra will also be seen with actors whom they have previously worked with. While Deepika will be seen with her Love Aaj Kal co-star Saif Ali Khan in Race 2 as well as Homi Adajanias next movie. Priyanka Chopra will be seen with her Anjaana Anjaani co-star Ranbir Kapoor as well as with Hrithik Roshan in Agneepath and Krrish 3 after Krrish earlier.

This trend has percolated to the next rung of actors with Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia DSouza starring in Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya after working together in Tujhe Meri Kasam 2003 and Masti in 2004. Sonakshi Sinha will also be seen with her Dabangg co-star Salman Khan in the movies sequel. Interestingly,the actress has been cast opposite Akshay Kumar in two movies viz.,Joker 3D and Rowdy Rathore,two of the movies with the maximum buzz this year. Only Ranveer Singh acting with her in Vikramaditya Motwanes Lootera is an exception to the formula that sees her romancing established co-stars.

However,this does not mean that filmmakers have forsaken casting fresh pairs in 2012. Yash Chopra is all set to bring Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif together for the first time in his forthcoming directorial venture. Kareena Kapoor will complete her dream run of acting opposite all the major Khans with Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and Imran Khan. The actress starred opposite Salman Khan in Bodyguard and Shah Rukh Khan in RA.One in 2011 and has movies with Saif and Aamir up lined for release this year.

R. Madhavan will recreate the magic of Tanu Weds Manu in Jodi Breakers where he is cast opposite the sexy Bipasha Basu. Tanu Weds Manu was the sleeper hit of 2011 in which audiences appreciated the fresh pairing of the actor with Kangana Ranaut. A peculiar pair that will grace theatres is Mallika Sherawat with Vivek Oberoi in Kismat Love Paisa Dilli,Sanjay Khanduris sequel to his acclaimed Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local. While the demand for A-list stars is always strong,new directors with fresh scripts are also trying to ensure that they sign actors based on the potential of their story rather than box-office compulsions. This has led to a spurt of new pairings and the trend is most likely to continue through this year.

Thus while some directors have begun to look at their scripts as heroes,some others prefer to cast established pairs in their movies,creating a healthy mix for audiences in 2012.

Ek Tha Tiger

Whats hot:This is Salman Khans debut venture with Yash Raj Films. Although the production house has a policy of paying a fixed rate to actors,it made an exception for Salman,who has reportedly charged a bomb for acting in the movie.

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu

Whats hot:Shakun Batras film,rumoured to be the desi version of What Happens In Vegas,has Kareena Kapoor playing a vivacious hairstylist to Imran Khans recession-struck architect. This first-ever on-screen pair is already being talked about for the chemistry they share

Conventional couples

Rowdy Rathore

Whats hot:Akshay Kumar,who is teamed opposite Sonakshi Sinha,plays a double role. Post-Wanted,this is Prabhudevas second Bollywood directorial. The film is being produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Akshay and Sonakshi will also be seen in Shirish Kunders Joker this year.

Barfii

Whats hot:Anurag Basus Barfii has both Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor essaying never-seen-before roles. It is one of the most awaited releases of 2012.

Talaash

Whats hot:Reema Kagtis thriller produced by Farhan Akhtar reunites Aamir Khan with both,his Ghulam heroine Rani Mukerji and his 3 Idiots co-star Kareena Kapoor.

Jodi Breakers

Whats hot:The tall and sexy Bipasha Basu pairing with R. Madhavan is bound to heighten curiosity about the couples chemistry. Yesteryear actress Helen playing a dance teacher is another attraction of the movie.

Lootera

Whats hot: Ranveer Singh will be serenading Sonakshi with the late Dev Anands songs. The makers are set to buy the rights of the evergreen heros famous numbers,which will be used in the same old format and will be shot in black and white.

Kismat Love Paisa Dilli

Whats hot: A sequel to Ek Chalis Ki Last Local,the film will be a story of one night and how it affects the lives of the protagonists. It will be shot extensively in Delhi.