Amitabh Bachchan is about to be seen in his first full fledged English film - "Versus", a 90-minute rendition of his "Viruddh" which he stresses is not dubbed or subtitled but a "separate interpretation" of the same plot.

"Versus" will be released internationally by the producers, AB Corp Ltd, a few weeks after "Viruddh", which opened Friday.

Explains Amitabh: "Mind you, 'Versus' isn't a dubbed or subtitled English version of 'Viruddh'. It's an entirely distinct and separate interpretation of the same plot. We actually shot two versions of the film -- in Hindi and English. We first spoke our lines in one language and then the other.

"Director Mahesh Manjrekar thought the story of an aging middle class couple's trauma has enough emotional appeal to work abroad. As producers of 'Viruddh', we agreed with him. We decided to prepare an English version of the film."

Sharmila Tagore, who plays AB's leading lady in "Viruddh", is already a known name internationally through her films with Satyajit Ray many decades ago. As for Amitabh, "Black" has finally familiarised the West with his performing wizardry.

"Versus" will be AB's first full-fledged English film and therefore his premier stab at a global audience.

The actor, who has just started shooting for B.R. Chopra's "Babul", is characteristically cautious in his enthusiasm.

"Yes, 'Versus' is my first full-length English film. But I'd say Sanjay Bhansali's 'Black' had great crossover appeal. And it has made a tremendous impact globally.

"As I've repeatedly said, going global or getting recognised by the Western audience isn't my ultimate high. I'm here to do my job. If I enjoyed doing 'Versus' in English, then tomorrow I might equally enjoy doing a French or Spanish film. Perceptions of global cinema must change. Language is no longer a barrier."

He rubbishes rumours that "Viruddh" is akin to Mahesh Bhatt's "Saraansh" in theme and treatment.

"Not at all! It was the first promo showing me with the ashes in a kalash that created that misconception. 'Viruddh' is a completely different experience. You're going to be surprised by the quality of work Mahesh Manjrekar has done. It has great universal resonance, hence the English-language rendition."