New Delhi, Dec 7 (IANS) Producer Tutu Sharma's "Tera Kya Hoga Johnny" has been ready since 2008, but he says this is the right time to release the film as the popularity of its lead actor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, has grown by several notches.

"When we had cast Neil, it was not because of his popularity or fame. It was because of his acting talent. He is tremendously talented and very good at his work, and so are all the actors who are a part of 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny'," Sharma told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"But, yes, Neil has made a mark for himself over the years and has become very popular in the film industry. In a way it is very good that we are releasing the film now," he added.

"Tera Kya Hoga Johnny", directed by Sudhir Mishra, also features Soha Ali Khan, Kay Kay Menon, Karan Nath, Shahana Goswami and debutant Sikander Agarwal. Releasing Dec 17, the medium budget movie revolves around a 16-year-old street boy.

The producer plans to release the film in Britain and Dubai to cash in on Neil's "massive fan following" in the markets.

"In fact, we are trying to have a premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival (which is starting Dec 12), but let's wait and watch. Talks are still on," he said.