Four Interactive, the startup funded by Matrix Partners has launched a local search engine called Laila, which also allows users to review content. So far the content is limited to Bangalore, and the company intends to cover 22 cities (though no timeline is mentioned in the release). The listing+reviews model seems similar to that of Burrp.com, which already has listings for 5 cities, as well as SMS alerts. Reviews at AskLaila are for events, wine and dine, local services and shopping; reviews are ranked, and comments allowed. Four Interactive is founded by Shriram Adukoorie and Kiran Konduri . Adukoorie had launched MSN in India and served as its Country Manager from 1999 to 2003.

SEE ALSO: Nokia To Launch Infomedia Powered Localized Search In Q3 2007

While in stealth mode, Four Interactive claimed to be working on services that “lie at the intersection of mobile, content and web”, so I guess there’s a mobile service in the offing. I’ve lost count of the number of local search engines in India: There’s Guruji (funding from Sequoia Capital), Zook from Ziva Software (funding from Nadathur), OnYoMo, MIH’s Dwaar, Burrp. Infomedia seems to be the most popular source for local content, and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has plans for a mobile app. There’s also JustDial (funding from SAIF Partners and SVB), which has ported it’s telephone yellow pages business online.