“My Role In Raw Is Very Challenging And Has Pushed My Limits With Different Looks”- John Abraham

Jyothi Venkatesh

In 2012, Abraham turned a full fledged producer with his first film Vicky Donor, which was a critical and commercial success, under his banner of John Abraham Entertainment. His second film as a producer was Madras Cafe, which garnered critical acclaim. In 2018, after many delays his movie Parmanu The Love Story of Pokhran released becoming his biggest solo success which then changed shortly after with Satyameva Jayate which is till date his biggest commercial success. Beyond his acting career, he is the owner of the Indian Super League football team North East United FC. He has often performed many dangerous stunts in his films. He is also a vegetarian, and is a strong advocate for animal rights. and believe it or not does not even touch alcohol, tea or even coffee. Considered "the top model of India before he ventured into films, John Abraham made his acting debut with Jism in 2003, an erotic thriller film and it is over 16 years that John has been ruling the film bastion like a Rock of Gibraltar. John Abraham is now married to Priya Runchal, an NRI financial analyst and investment banker from the USA but native to McLeod Ganj, whom he met in Mumbai, in December 2010. They married on 3 January 2014

What exactly is Romeo Akbar Walter all about?

Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) is a spy thriller that is set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The film, which is inspired by true events, has been directed by Robby Grewal.

What is your role in the espionage film?

I play the role of an agent of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) who goes to Pakistan undercover. Romeo Akbar Walter let me reiterates is not a chest-thumping jingoistic film. It's very important to make films with good stories. If tomorrow, there's a great patriotic film, I would love to do it. But I would not like to do jingoistic films. Neither am I anti any other country; nor am I anti any other religion. I can call myself a simple peace loving citizen of India

It is heard that you are playing multiple roles in the film RAW!

Yes. I am playing multiple roles in the film, and have built up to the teaser’s release by sharing three posters showing my characters. Each of the three posters also teases various other disguises that I am adopting  in the film. The first, featuring Romeo, shows John as a man, smoking a cigarette, wearing a ‘70-style hairdo. The second, of Akbar, shows John with a beard and short hair. The third one shows Walter, a dapper looking man with a moustache.

Go on!

Romeo Akbar Walter is said to be inspired by true events. Besides me, the spy thriller also features Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and Sikander Kher in key roles. It's a very objective film. It is interesting to note that no one is bad or good in this, it's just how you look at things. We are not depicting any other side as the bad side. It's not jingoistic, and certainly it is not at all a typical flag saluting film. It's very different and that's why we are proud to be associated with it.

How challenging is the role to you as an actor?

It is one of my most challenging roles so far – pushing my limits with different looks, accents, and personas. Robbie has made an original Indian espionage thriller with an entertaining and engaging storyline. The reactions to the three ‘looks’ released so far have been great; I’m looking forward to the audience take on the teaser,

You do not mind calling a spade a spade!

There has to be a war on terror. It has to be over and done with. That doesn't mean you have to fight with another country. That doesn't mean you have to stereotype people," he said. But today the problem is that the world is getting "polarized".We are stereotyping people, that's probably the most dangerous sign. It shouldn't happen. But unfortunately whether we like it or not, that's the way the world is functioning today.

Has the genre of action films always fascinated you as an actor?

Be it little kids, boys or grown up men, we have all been fascinated by action throughout our lives. I've mainlined on movies of superheroes, action men and never-back-down toughies locked in intense, fierce combat, gripping the weapons of their choice.

Can you elaborate?

That style and panache, their grit and guts have been the things that have kept us engaged and enticed. Action is definitely my favorite genre in movies, and I have myself pulled off a few stunts in some of my films, including Rocky Handsome, Parmanu, Satyameva Jayate and now RAW

Tell me something about the song Vande Mataram in RAW?

Vande Mataram depicts the journey of an Indian Intelligence posted in Pakistan. John commits himself to the service of the nation and undergoes rigorous training to become a spy eventually.

Is Jackie Shroff playing a very special role in RAW?

Yes. In RAW - Romeo Akbar Walter, Jackie Shroff plays the role of top RAW officer who recruits a bank employee played by me to be trained and sent to Pakistan to gather intel. My journey in Pakistan is difficult and marred with challenges.

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