/> After Naksha and Big Brother, Sunny Deol's boxoffice standing isn't quite in the pink of health. However his career seems to have got an unexpected boost in the arm, thanks to Shilpa Shetty whose presence in the Deols' family film Apne has made the film a source of keen interest worldwide.

Says a source, "Normally Sunny's films are very strong in North India and rather weak overseas. Thanks to Shilpa and Big Brother director Anil Sharma who has been going through a crazily lean patch , has found a reason to feel hopeful."

Apparently with the additional interest that the Dharmendra-Sunny-Bobby starrer has invoked overseas, director Sharma hopes to make a keen comeback.

Says Shilpa, "To me Apne is as precious as Metro which opens in May. I had signed Anilji's film earlier because I loved the idea of being paired with Sunny in a film that stars all three of the Deols. If Metro comes in May, Apne follows in June. So yeah I'm tense about both releases."

When reminded about Sunny and director Anil Sharma's recent track record Shilpa jumps to their defence. "Everyone goes through a lean patch. So did I before Big Brother. Don't forget Anilji made Gadar, one of the biggest hits ever. I'm sure Apne will be massive."

Inspired by the all-out international publicity being given to the other Shilpa starrer Metro, the producers of Apne are planning a huge Shilpa-centric release abroad.

Says the source, "At home bringing the three Deols would be considered big news. But overseas it's Shilpa who gives Apne that extra spin."

Isn't it ironical that a film designed as a vehicle to bring together two generations of the Deols, is getting a heftier global attention because of its leading lady?

"And why just Shilpa? Even Katrina Kaif is seen as a USP in Apne after Namaste London which is a big hit abroad," adds the source.