His film might be six years too late but director Satish Kaushik feels that this is the right time to release his long pending "Milenge Milenge", with Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, who have since climbed the success ladder to become big time stars.

"It is not a question of delay. Delays can't mar a film," said Kaushik. " 'Milenge Milenge' is the best picture for today because that time they (Shahid-Kareena) were not such big stars," Kaushik told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

"Today they are very big stars. People want to see them together as a couple in a movie; the picture will get much more attention and value now," he added.

Shot entirely in Delhi, "Milenge Milenge", which has been in the making since 2004, is said to be a remake of the Hollywood movie "Serendipity". Produced by Boney Kapoor, it will see the light of day July 9.

What caused the delay?

"It got delayed due to certain reasons, but that doesn't matter. A good film is always a good film and a good story is always a good story... Boney is leaving no stone unturned to promote this film in every which way," said Kaushik.

Asked if the delay was due to Shahid-Kareena reportedly playing truant after their split, he said: "It has not happened due to what has been reported in the press. Both Shahid and Kareena have been professionals in terms of completing the film. But there were some unforeseen circumstances which could not be avoided."

What about reports of Kareena delaying the photo shoot and work on promotional video for the movie?

"She has already completed her photo shoot (May 30)... Her dates were totally tied up earlier. She will now shoot for the video very soon for which Shahid has already shot," said Kaushik, chosen as the director of the month by UTV World Movies for its "50 movies to see before you die" segment.

Kaushik is positive about the box office prospects of the romantic comedy.

"The film is about destiny and destiny is going to take this film across. It is looking very fresh. I am doing its background music now and it has turned out to be very well," he said.

"The performances of both Shahid and Kareena and their on screen chemistry is really beautiful. Though it is little delayed, it will definitely make a mark. It is a very sweet romantic comedy.

" The film is about a couple in love who get separated and how destiny brings them together. Shahid-Kareena were a great off screen couple, but they parted ways. 'Milenge Milenge' is an apt title for this pair, despite the fact that they are very happy in their own space now."

Both the actors look very different now from six years ago. But Kaushik is not worried. "The film was completed in one go in 2005-06; so there is no change of looks for the actors in scene to scene."

The promotional song of the movie "Sab kuch khatam ho kar bhi" penned by Sameer should have obvious resonance for the one-time couple.

"We were thinking of a promotional song and this one was apt because it goes with the story. Later on we thought that this one should also be the promotional video for the movie," said the director.