A fter Rocky Handsome, John Abraham comes up with another action-packed film, Force 2, this year. The rugged star shares the extent of injuries he suffered during its making and how he wants to do more comedies.
You have done several action films; was it difficult to shoot Force 2?
This film has a sequence on a rooftop and my knee was damaged while shooting it. After that, we shot in Hungary where I had two knee operations. I still remember when I wanted to sit in a car, Vipulji (Shah, the producer) would lift my leg and put it in the car because I was not able to move it. After coming to Mumbai, again I had an operation, so totally I have had three knee surgeries. But the end result was good... for the knee and also for the film. While doing action sequences there are difficulties, but it’s fun.
In Force (2011) we saw you lifting a bike and now we saw you lifting a car. Is it a conscious decision on your part to enact one scene of physical prowess in each movie?
Force was about power and it was Abhinay (Deo, the director) and Vipul Shah’s decision to continue the character of ACP Yashwardhan. Honestly, the way Abhinay had set the scene, the only input I had in lifting the car was (to decide) how my posture looked (laughs). I give credit to him for doing this. Abhinay has smartly brought out the power elements in this film, but it also has a fantastic story. It is dedicated to the heroes who lost their lives. The film is inspired by lots of true events and by the end of the film you will be shocked.
How different is the sequel from the original?
We wanted a film that was larger; the problems in Force 2 are larger. And we wanted a character that’s far more evolved. The antagonist of this film is far more evolved. I always say strength is always here (points to his head) and not here (body).
How did you rope in Tahir Raj Bhasin for this film?
I saw him in Mardani (2015). Abhinav and I kept discussing Tahir and finally I had the pleasure of meeting him. I think Tahir check-marked all the boxes for us and we got him on board. Tahir is fantastic in the film ... when I saw his portions I got goosebumps! His character has many shades and layers. I feel the antagonist adds so much value to this film.
Are you focusing only on action-oriented films?
Not exactly because after this I am trying to do something different and disruptive. I don’t want to do just action. I love action, it’s like second nature to me, but I also love comedy, especially slapstick comedy. I love all kinds of films and watch them all.