The rights to HBO Films'' untitled original motion picture musical starring multi-platinum and Grammy-winning hip-hop rap artists OutKast, have been acquired by Universal Pictures for worldwide distribution

The super hip-hop rap duo OutKast's Andre Benjamin aka Andre 3000 and Antwan Patton aka Big Boi, both star in the film, which will feature new songs from the duo's next album, which will be a soundtrack album.

Bryan Barber, the award- winning director and longtime OutKast music video collaborator, makes his feature film directing debut on the film. The film's soundtrack will feature all new songs by OutKast and will be released on LaFace/Zomba Label Group in the fourth quarter of 2005. Universal Pictures will wide release the film in 2006.

Set amidst the backdrop of a 1930s southern speakeasy, the film follows two characters, Percival (Andre Benjamin), the club's piano player, and Rooster (Antwan Patton), the club's lead performer and manager, through intersecting stories of love and ambition.

The cast also includes Ving Rhames ("Mission: Impossible"), Terrence Dashon Howard ("Hustle & Flow"), Faizon Love ("Elf"), Malinda Williams ("Soul Food"), Paula Jai Parker ("She Hate Me"), Jackie Long ("Lovewrecked"), newcomer Paula Patton and legendary recording artist Patti LaBelle ("On the One"). Also cast in the film are singer Macy Gray ("Training Day"), Tony Award winner Ben Vereen ("Why Do Fools Fall In Love") and Oscar(R) nominee and Emmy winner Cicely Tyson ("Fried Green Tomatoes").

The as-yet-untitled film was shot on location in Wilmington, North Carolina and at Universal City, CA.

Andre Benjamin's (Andre 3000 ) acting credits include the current hit "Four Brothers," "Be Cool" and for television, "The Shield."  He will launch his own clothing line next year.

Antwan Patton (Big Boi ) has appeared in acting roles on television's "Martin" and as a featured voice in the MTV series "Volcano High," about a teenager with special martial arts skills, and in two episodes of Comedy Central's "Chappelle's Show."