Mumbai, Nov 29 (IANS) Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj will be released in April 2008, a source close to the director said."The film was never to be pitched against 'Jodha-Akbar'. We had zeroed in on April because that's how long the post-production work would take. Clashing with another Aishwarya Rai film was never a problem. In 'Jodha-Akbar', Aishwarya plays a historical character. In Sarkar Raj she's a contemporary woman," said the source.

Although Aishwarya's two films have stalwarts in the cast, including the formidable Big B in Sarkar Raj, they offer her author-backed roles.

Sarkar Raj is also crucial for her husband Abhishek Bachchan since it is his first major release after "Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom", discounting the guest appearance in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.