NEW DELHI: The Anil Ambani-owned Adlabs Films is close to signing actor John Abraham in a three film deal for close to Rs 22-crore. If the Abraham-Adlabs deal goes through, it will make it one of the most expensive in the Indian film industry after the Rs 35-crore that Adlabs reportedly doled out to rope in Hrithik Roshan, again in a three-film contract, last year.

According to sources, Adlabs is on the lookout to sign yet another actor for a multi-film deal. However, Adlabs Films' chairman Manmohan Shetty denied anyone in particular.

"We are looking at this model (multi-film deals with actors) for some time but we haven't signed anyone yet." These kind of studio-actor deals were hugely popular in Hollywood in the 1960s and it looks like this trend just may take roots in India now.

However, unlike with the studio contracts of yesteryear Hollywood, most of these deals are non-exclusive -meaning actors are allowed to work with other producers. It is learnt that even Abhishek Bachchan is said to be signing a similar contract with Yash Raj Films for an undisclosed amount.

So far, almost all big production houses have dabbled with the model of signing directors. Adlabs has signed movie deals with Vipul Shah and Bobby Bedi among others, Sahara Motion Pictures had a three-film deal with Madhur Bhandarkar.

Also, Balaji Films and Percept Pictures signed similar multi-film contracts with other directors. Adlabs is perhaps the only production house to have ventured beyond just directors to include actors, to actor-director combos as well.