Noted actor-director Dev Anand has started shooting a new film here that promises to deliver a hard-hitting political message in the backdrop of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

"'Mr. Prime Minister' is about the problems faced by the quake-affected people. It is also about the general election held earlier this year," says Anand, speaking at the old Kanthadnathji fort on the outskirts of this town, about 330 km from Ahmedabad.

"The film has a political message, more vocal a message than anything you might have seen (in Hindi cinema) so far," he said.

The narrative revolves around a London-based businessman, played by Anand himself, who visits the border district of Kutch after the quake that killed thousands and rendered many more homeless.

So touched is he by survivors' tales that he loses his memory and takes up the job of a newspaper vendor.

He wishes to return to London when he recovers his memory but decides to stay back to help local people unite and fight the injustices meted out by callous authorities.

He finally helps them launch their own political party that enters the electoral arena.

Crewmembers were tight-lipped about whether the protagonist becomes prime minister or not.

"I could not do much to help this region in the aftermath of the quake. I am trying to do my bit with this film. I am happy with the response the local population has given to my project," Anand said.

The film is expected to be released in February.