New Delhi, Sep 1 (IANS): Filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee doesn't guarantee an image change for Emraan Hashmi with his political thriller "Shanghai" but says the film will bring out the "true acting capability" of the actor who is otherwise tagged as a "serial kisser".

"I don't know if 'Shanghai' will bring in an image change for Emraan as such. But I am sure the audience will sit up and notice his true acting capability. Of course, he has acted well all through, but the focus has always been on his kissing. 'Shanghai' will be different for him," Banerjee told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

So far, Emraan has locked lips in films like "Murder", "Zeher", "Aksar", "Gangster - A Love Story" and "Crook". But he confessed a few months ago that he is quite irritated with the "serial kisser" tag.

"Emraan is so much more than just a serial kisser. He is a very nuanced and first class actor. He can be very funny in a natural way, which has worked for his role in 'Shanghai'. He carried his role very well. I am sure that more than being irritated, he is bored of being called a serial kisser! He is quite a professional," said Dibakar.

"Shanghai" is an adaptation of Greek diplomat and author Vassilis Vassilikos' book "Z".
In the film, which also features Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin, Emraan plays a rugged, roadside photographer.

"We shot in places like Latur and Baramati in Maharashtra...where there weren't even proper loos. Still Imran worked in a dedicated way for 42 days with us," said the director.

The 40-year-old filmmaker says it is very easy to tag people and it is easier to make money out of those tags in Bollywood. But he appreciates that Emraan has tried to get out of this zone.

"Tags and labels help us make money in this industry...But I am sure Emraan wants to expand and exploit his talent, which is commendable," said Banerjee.

"Shanghai" is set for Jan 26, 2012, release.