New Delhi, Apr 22 (PTI): Actor John Abraham, who essays the role of a dreaded gangster in the upcoming crime drama "Shootout at Wadala" believes that the film will widen the reach of his audience and prove his acting prowess.

The model-turned-actor, who started his Bollywood journey with "Jism" in 2003, has been part of commercially successful films like "Dhoom" and "Dostana" but feels that its time he shifts his focus to other genres.

"I think in every actor's career there is a certain film that changes the way his life pans out. For me, 'Jism' was that first film that made the difference in my life. For me it was not made, it just happened.

"But I think there is a calling in an actor's life and 'Shootout' will increase the band with of my audiences and there will be new audiences which will come to see John Abraham," said Abraham.

'Shootout at Wadala' has been written and directed by Sanjay Gupta. It is the sequel to 2007 film 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', and is based on the book Dongri to Dubai written by Hussain Zaidi.

Besides Abraham, the film also stars Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpai, Kangna Ranaut, Tusshar Kapoor and Sonu Sood in lead roles.

The film will dramatize the first-ever registered encounter by Mumbai police, where gangster Manya Surve (Abraham's character) was shot dead.

"Manya Surve was a gangster but we have not tried to glorify him in the film. The film is also about the love story between Surve and Kangana's character which tragic and it turns out beautifully in the film," Abraham said.

When asked how he prepared for the role, the actor said, "In terms of visuals we had just two passport size photos including one of his body after the encounter, which was totally bullet ridden body. We met a few people including police officers, who were part of the encounter."

'Shootout at Wadala' is slated for release on May 3.