Action scenes in 'Rocky Handsome' are my item numbers: John

After making the audience laugh with "Welcome Back", actor John Abraham says his next film "Rocky Handsome" will "raise the bar of action" in India. In fact, he says his action sequences in the Nishikant Kamat directorial, are like his "item numbers".

The actor-producer, who promises some never-seen-before action with the movie, has trained hard for the Aikido, Hapkido and Krav Maga forms of martial arts that are featured in the actioner.

"'Rocky Handsome' has got a lot of hand-to-hand combat. It's completely different. No one has ever seen action designed like this before in Hindi cinema," John told IANS.

He had to train for a month to perfect the action.

"Just like how actors train for songs and dance sequences, I trained myself for action. There are eight or nine action sequences in the film that are my item numbers. Nishikant and I actually joked that we have got our item numbers in the form of action," he quipped.

"I have trained so intently for it. I trained myself for like 12 hours every day. It's actually tough and takes a toll on you. But what has come out finally, is amazing. The audience will love watching a different type of film," the 42-year-old added.

While it's definite that "Rocky Handsome" will be high on action, it won't be devoid of emotion.

Talking about it, John said: "I must draw a parallel here... just like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' had a child, even 'Rocky Handsome' has a beautiful kid and more than the action, it's the emotion that people will walk away after watching that film."

Nevertheless, he guarantees that "With 'Rocky Handsome', we will raise the bar of action in this country".

"Now I've just started 'Force 2' and I'm nervous because we have to go beyond that ('Rocky Handsome'), and that's exactly what we are trying."

"Rocky Handsome", which reunites John and Kamat after 2011 film "Force", also stars Shruti Haasan and Nathalia Kaur. It will release on February 5, 2016.

Meanwhile, John is currently busy shooting for "Force 2" in Budapest, Hungary along with his co-star Sonakshi Sinha.

Talking about the film, John said: "'Force 2' is an emotional film. We have got strong emotions in it. The script looks strong and it has great director like Abhinay Deo."