/> Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj is to be released in April 2008.

Reveals a source close to Varma (the director is completely off press after, in his own words, being burnt by Aag). "The film was never to be pitched against Jodha-Akbar.

We had zeroed- in on April because that's how long the post-production would take. Clashing with another Aishwarya Rai film was never a problem.

In Jodha-Akbar Aishwarya plays a historical character. In Sarkar Raj she's a contemporary woman."

Mrs Rai-Bachchan is currently devoting all her time to home and ailing Daadi (Mrs Teji Bachchan) and perfecting every nuance in her two releases which in spite of stalwarts in the cast (including her formidable father- in-law in the Sarkar sequel) offers her author-backed roles.

According to insiders Sarkar Raj has shaped up into Ram Gopal Varma's best work to date. And the Bachchans are extremely upbeat about it.

Sarkar Raj is also crucial for Abhishek, since it's his next release. His last film was Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom, not counting the guest appearance in Laga Chunari Mein Daag. After Sarkar Raj it's the f-x special Drona for Abhishek.

It looks like 2008 will be a bumper year for the Bachchans.