New Delhi, Dec 3 (IANS) The bourgeoning Hindi film trade is set to end the year 2006 on a high with the mighty combination of Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji and John Abraham in B.R. Chopra's "Baabul" slated to hit the marquees on Dec 8.

"Baabul" tells the story of a wealthy and progressive businessman Balraj Kapoor (Amitabh). He and his wife Shobhana (Hema Malini) have a son Avinash (Salman). After many years of studying abroad, Avinash announces his return to home.

Soon Malvika 'Milli' Talwar (Rani) enters his life. Love blossoms between them and they get married and are soon blessed with a son, Ansh. Tragedy strikes the family when Avinash is killed in an accident. The loss is too much for Milli and she slowly falls into depression.

Balraj seeks to bring happiness back into Milli's life and he gets in touch with Rajat (John). Rajat was Milli's friend and he secretly loved her but never told her.

Balraj asks Rajat to marry Milli but he faces opposition from his orthodox elder brother Balwant (Om Puri). Will Balraj succeed in uniting Rajat and Milli?

Director Ravi Chopra hopes to recreate the success of "Baghban" in 2003, which starred Amitabh, Hema and Salman. The film, based on ill treatment of elderly by their own children, was an unexpected hit.

Though fast-paced films like -- "Dhoom 2" and "Don" -- are the reining box-office favourites, the intense family drama has enough punch to hit the box-office bull's-eye.

For instance, even Shahid Kapur-Amrita Rao starrer "Vivah" from the equally illustrious Soorja Barjatya did manage to stay afloat and tilts the scale in favour of the family drama "Baabul".