To play a Maharashtrian gangster, John working on his Marathi

Mumbai: Actor John Abraham, who plays a Maharashtrian gangster in the forthcoming film `Shootout at Wadala`, is going to brush up on his Marathi. To prepare for his role, inspired by gangster Manya Surve, John is not only working on his physique, but is also on his colloquial Marathi. And it is the filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar who will be playing his coach. Manohar Arjun Surve alias Manya Surve was a member of Mumbai underworld who died in 1982 in an encounter with the police. It is known as the city`s first recorded encounter killing. `Shootout at Wadala`, directed by Sanjay Gupta, is the sequel to the hit film `Shootout at Lokhandwala`. "John has never used rough language in his films so far. I want him to have the basic knowledge of colloquial Marathi as it will help him grasp the minute details of his character," Gupta said. "Mahesh is going to help us out. He will meet John a few times to discuss the nitty -gritties of Marathi. The interactions will be at the end of February since the film goes on floors in March," Gupta said. PTI