'Shootout at Wadala' is a real film: John Abraham

Reacting to reports that Balaji Motion Pictures has decided to change the name of Sonu Sood's character Dawood Ibrahim in "Shootout At Wadala", John Abraham, who plays gangster Manya Surve, says he still stands by the fact that the film is "real".

"I still believe the film is based on real incidents, I am not going to change my stance on it. My character will stay as Manya Surve, that will never change and I am very proud of it," the 40-year-old said here Thursday when asked if by doing so, the studio is trying to change its stance that the film is based on real incidents.

"It is a studio decision to change other names and I am fine with that. I don't think it affects the structure of the film in any way. The film is too impactful for anything to affect it," he added.

Asked if he believes this is his best performance till date, John said: "By light years. It is a performance where John Abraham would be completely perceived differently as an actor."

"I feel there are certain portions in the film and my characterisation is going to impact the audience very differently."

Directed by Sanjay Gupta, "Shootout At Wadala" also stars Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Manoj Bajpai, Kangna Ranaut, Mahesh Manjrekar. It is slated to release May 1.