EXCLUSIVE: 'We will make 'Hera Pheri 3' a blockbuster' - John Abraham

John Abraham stunned all when he signed the sequel of 'Welcome'. Both the critics and the audience were skeptical whether he will be able to pull it off. But the film's success proved all wrong. In a telephonic interview exclusively with Pinkvilla from Budhapest where John is shooting for 'Force 2', the actor talks about the response 'Welcome Back' has received, his forthcoming films and more. Excerpts from the conversation:

'Welcome Back' has received a phenomenal opening. Are you happy with the response?

I had seen the censor copy of the film and I was expecting a positive reply. To be fair and honest, 'Welcome Back' has taken the trade and the media by surprise and that means people have liked the film.

Since 'Welcome' was loved immensely, there was a huge pressure on you. Are you relieved now that the movie did well?

I am very happy with 'Welcome Back' and that it has done so well. I give credit for the film's success to everyone. 'Welcome Back' released on Friday, Saturday I completed 'Rocky Handsome' and Sunday I flew to Budhapest for 'Force 2' and Monday I began shooting the movie. So I didn't really have the time to digest the euphoria. Anil (Kapoor) sir told me that when the film touches 100 crores, he wants me to come to Mumbai to celebrate it. The camaraderie between Anil sir, Nana (Patekar) sir and me, is so close that if we do 'Welcome 3', I don't know what will the director do. (laughs)

How have the first two days of 'Force 2' shoot been?

It is fantastic. This is probably the best crew. We have invested in the right places - the DOP, the action director. Let me be very honest with you. 'Rocky Handsome' will raise the bar of action films in Bollywood, but with 'Force 2', we have to go beyond that. It is really a tall order. You are not realizing it because you haven't seen 'Rocky Handsome'. When you see it, you will understand. Also, we have started off on a fantastic note. We have got Abhinay Deo who is a genius. Sonakshi is amazing and so is this young boy Tahir Raj Bhasin. I am sure he has a very bright future. It is a long journey. We go on till October 21.

Nishikant Kamath said that the action in 'Rocky Handsome' is never seen before. You agree?

Yes absolutely! It is very oriental action which has a mix of Akido, Kung Fu, Krav Maga. There is lot of hand to hand combat. When I saw the reference of the action, I couldn't believe that I will be able to do it. I had to train for almost a month to get into that mode. It was probably the most tiring month of my life. But when it translated on screen, I was happy. Nishi and I both looked at each other with surprise. Even audience will feel 'Did John really do that?' It is the best action scene in contemporary cinema.

You have a good mix of action and comedy films. 

I have 'Force 2' and 'Dishoom' to do. I will finish one and then get into the other. There is a zone that I have to stay in especially for 'Force 2' and 'Dishoom'. And once I have broken all my bones, I start 'Hera Pheri 3'. 'Dishoom' begins on October 24 in Abu Dhabi, followed by 'Hera Pheri 3' in December.

Many are disappointed that Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty aren't a part of 'Hera Pheri 3'. Your take?

What did people speak about 'Welcome Back'? There was so much crap going around the movie. And now the film released and opened to a thunderous response. I told Firoz Nadiadwala, the producer, that let us keep our heads down. We have to do our job and we will make 'Hera Pheri 3' a blockbuster.

Talking about Akshay, has he seen 'Welcome Back'? Did he message you?

Akshay is in London shooting for 'Housefull 3' but I would LOVE if he could see the film. But I know Akshay, he will be most happy for me.

Lastly, John there are too many things reported about your personal life. Does it affect you?

If I read, it does affect me. But I don't read. I have said what I had to. There is no point reiterating the same thing.