As far as marketing strategies go, this has to rank among the most unique of all times.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the producer, will tie up with the tourism board of Hampi regarding his upcoming venture Rowdy Rathore. Movie is being directed by Prabhu Deva.

Akshay Kumar and the rest of the cast are busy scouting around the historical towns of Hampi and Badami for locations.

So expect the scenic locales and beautiful ruins of Hampi to be on display, even as Akki and gang go about their 'masala thriller'.

“The officials of Hampi and Badami gave special permission to Sanjay to shoot Rowdy Rathore. They need tourism, and that will help their financial condition. It’s a neat barter system,” says our source.

In fact, it was Akshay’s brainwave that led to this tie-up. “Akshay was the one who thought up this marketing move. Everybody else was also very supportive of it. It’s a win-win situation and should work for all of us,” says a unit member.