“John and I are outsiders, we have come up the hard way” – Sonu Sood

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

May 2, 2013 - 11:53 AM IST

Sonu Sood is on a high. Playing a dream role which is inspired by the real life Dawood Ibrahim, Sonu is said to be the surprise package of the film which has biggies like Anil Kapoor and John Abraham leading from the front. After some intense promos doing the trick, it is the special screenings so far that have further fuelled talks about him coming up with the performance of a lifetime. While one waits to see how exactly does his face-off with John Abraham takes place in this Sanjay Gupta-Ekta Kapoor film, Sonu talks at length around the film and expectations attached to it.

Did it really take much time for you to think and contemplate around picking a film when the role that came your way was inspired by none less than Dawood?

Honestly, it took me five minutes. See, you can't expect a bigger name than this when it comes to a gangster. I have read the book 'Dongri To Dubai' and know what he stands for. One thing that I was sure of though was that I had to play the part very normal. Otherwise what happens is that time and again as an actor you change your walk or give an added style to the character. However, the fact remains that when a guy is standing out there in Dongri, you can't point on him and say that he is a gangster.

“John and I are outsiders, we have come up the hard way” – Sonu Sood

So how did you bring in power to the character?

By means of narration. He is a no-nonsense guy and hence power had to be felt differently. He is someone who knows his power and potential. After working in the film, I know that my role in here is something that I was waiting for all through my career so far. I have been around for more than a decade and as an actor when you come to this city; there are certain roles that you want to be associated with. This is what I have got in Shootout At Wadala that has allowed me a lot of action, drama and dialogues. This very combination is very deadly when it comes on screen.

There are some powerful names attached to the film, both in cast as well as crew. That would have pushed you to further deliver your best, right?

The script here is such that it demands powerful actors. Moreover, when you are on the same platform with these top actors, you know that you have to give your best. Once you do that, you obviously get noticed. I am now waiting for the results.

It is being said that there is a lot of power in the scenes that you and John Abraham come together on screen.

Yes, there is a lot of volatility that comes in with us coming together. My character thinks that Manya (played by John) is nothing in front of me. On the other hand, Manya feels that he can marginalize my character out of power. It is the ego clash of two powerful men that should keep audience on the edge of the seat.

While you are two powerful men on the exterior, deep inside you as well as John are considered to be very politeâ€¦

John is a great guy. I have interacted with him a lot. He is very simple and down to earth. We share a lot of things in common. We both love bikes. Also, we are outsiders and not from the industry. We have come up the hard way. Moreover we also have a lot of common friends. We discuss on fitness as well.

Well, perhaps now you can leave the outsiders tag behind. After all, quite a few top producers and directors are putting their money, faith and confidence in you, case in point being Prabhu Dheva who has roped you in for Ramaiya Vastavaiya as well as Rambo Rajkumar.

Of course it is flattering indeed when people sit across the table and think that you are the go-to guy for them. When all these years you have been there in the city and chasing your dreams, such recognition is most welcome.

Since the time seems ripe for audience to welcome you now in a role as critical to the plot as is the case in Shootout At Wadala, what really is in store for the audience here? Can one say that this is a quintessential 'masala' film in the offering?

That I would say is a much used and abused term. See, when you say 'masala', people automatically assume that it would be one of those 'leave your brains behind and come to theatres' kind of a flick. Shootout At Wadala doesn't belong to that category. This is a film where there is a fragrance that takes you to theatre. People can smell whether they want to watch it or not. I know for sure that people are waiting for it. This is a film that would be loved by masses as well as critics. This one has got content and style. It has the real feel of Dongri. It has the styling of Sanjay Gupta. It has the power of Ekta Kapoor.

Watch Promo: Shootout At Wadala