John Abraham begins shooting for his next in Lucknow

Actor John Abraham reached Lucknow on Friday afternoon to begin shooting for his film 'Batla House' in the city. With a long shoot schedule of nearly a month, the 'Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran' actor will be shooting in and around the city including in Hazratganj, at a private college in Gomti Nagar and also Malihabad. A lot of action scenes are also expected to be shot at different places in the old city area of Lucknow.
The film is being directed by the 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' director Nikkhil Advani and also stars the 'Love Sonia' actress Mrunal Thakur, Nora Fatehi and actor-politician Ravi Kishan, among others.
Ravi Kishan and John Abraham arrived at Lucknow airport on Friday to shoot for their next here (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)
The film is based on the real Batla House encounter that was conducted against suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists September 19, 2008, in Jamia Nagar, Delhi. Two terrorists and a cop were killed in the encounter.
Abraham is essaying the role of Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, a Delhi Police officer, who headed the Operation Batla House, as it was officially known as. Recipient of nine Gallantry Awards, Yadav is also known as one of the most controversial cops who also is credited with nearly 70 encounters including those of some dreaded and wanted criminals.
Nikkhil Advani (BCCL/ Aditya Yadav)
"Portions of the film have already been shot in Mumbai and most of it will be shot here in Lucknow,” informs Aroon Singh Dicky, the line producer of the film. “They are also planning to shoot for a few days in Mussourie and Delhi," he adds.
Several local actors have been roped in for the film, mostly from Bhartendu Natya Akademi, reportedly at the behest of actor Ravi Kishan.