MUMBAI: Filming of Hollywood production's American Empire, directed by Andy Armstrong (of Planet of the Apes fame), has started at Tampa and Ybor City, both in Florida.

Produced by Edge Filmworks and written by Kevin D. Ward, the film stars Nina Dobrev, Shannyn Sossamon and Leslie Mann.

It is being rumoured that the film will have four Bollywood artistes - John Abraham, Arjun Rampal, Ashmit Patel and Freida Pinto.

The film's story revolves around underworld, politics, crime and stealing. It is slated to release on 3 February next year.

Welcoming the teaming up of Hollywood and Bollywood, Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed hopes that these collaborations would become regular in the future.