John Abraham will be playing the lead in Deepa Mehta's 'Beeba Boyz'. He has been cast opposite popular Ukrainian actress Milla Jovovich.

The film is about Punjabi gangsters and will start rolling in April 2010. Milla had, apparently, expressed her desire to work with John. That's when Deepa decided to cast him. Though John has date issues, Deepa decided to wait for him and until then finish work on "Midnight's Children'.

Speaking about John, Deepa said, "John was always my first choice for the part. Ever since we did Water, we've been waiting to work together again. Beeba Boyz is perfect for John. I need someone who will look menacing but attractive, sexy and earthy, speaking those Punjabi lines fluently."

As for Milla's admiration of John, Deepa said, "Milla asked about John the minute I offered her my film. I think she had seen John's film and loved him in it."

Meanwhile, John will be using this time to prepare for his role as a Punjabi gangster. Deepa has full faith that he will be able to do it perfectly, just like he picked up Sankritized Hindi for "Water'.

Confirming his involvement in the project, John said, "Yes, Deepa and I have met about the project with Milla. I'm doing it. We've sorted out the dates issues. I'm really fond of Deepa. I think we did something special in `Water`. We'll do it again."