''Ramgopal Varma Ki Sholay'', the much publicised remake of Ramesh Sippy's blockbuster ''Sholay'' will go on floors next month.

A spokesman for the filmmaker told that the shooting will begin in the second or third week of August in Mumbai.

Varma has finalised his entire cast except the female lead to play Hema Malini's ''Basanti'' character.

Amitabh Bachchan plays Gabbar Singh, Ajay Devgan plays Veeru, Mohit Ahlawat is Jai and Katrina Kaif plays Jaya Bachchan's role.

Malyalam superstar Mohanlal is Thakur.

The spokesman said that in the previous ''Sholay'', the protagonist was the Thakur who hires two goons to finish off Gabbar and fulfil his revenge. In the remake, Gabbar is the pivot of the story.

The much talked about remake was announced last year by Varma with producer of the original film G P Sippy supporting the project while Director Ramesh Sippy expressing his displeasure.