Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto has been approached to star opposite James Franco in the prequel of "Planet of the Apes".

Variety.com reports that in "Rise of the Apes" Pinto will play Caroline, a primatologist. Franco will be seen as a scientist who becomes a crucial figure in the war between humans and apes.

Set in present day San Francisco, the film deals with the aftermath of man's experiments with genetic engineering that lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.

"Rise of the Apes" will be directed by Rupert Wyatt and will go on floors next month. The makers are planning to release it June 24, 2011.