Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has started shooting for Major Ravi's Malyalam film Kandahar based on the 1999 Indian Airlines plane hijack with Mohanlal near Ooty.

The Big B was on the sets early to prepare his Malyalam lines. "Up and early and off to work ..Malayalam film first time in 41 years .. hope I get the pronunciations correct ..," Bachchan tweeted from the sets.

In his blog, the Big B said the shooting was taking place in the town of Coonor near Ooty.

Bachchan described Cooner as a pretty location for many a retired Army officer or administrative head. "Quiet and peaceful. Within these picturesque surroundings is based the story of my character in the film - a retired teacher, who's son is with the Armed Forces. And my entire work shall be conducted here in this peaceful haven," he said.

"On set of Kandahar and done with the Malayalam lines. Have persuaded Mohanlal to join Twitter. He has agreed! Yippee success!," he wrote.