Anurag Kashyap will strike back with 'Raman Raghav 2.0' : Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Mumbai: Though Anurag Kashyap's last film "Bombay Velvet" did not live up to the expectations, actor-friend Nawazuddin Siddiqui says the director will mark a solid return to the big screen with his next "Raman Raghav 2.0".

Raman Raghav, also known as Psycho Raman, was a psychopathic serial killer who terrorised the streets of Mumbai in the mid-1960s. The thriller stars Nawazuddin in the role of the notorious serial killer and the "Bajrangi Bhaijan" actor says the film is one of the best works of Kashyap.

"Anurag Kashyap will definitely strike back with Raman Raghav. I am very sure about it. I can confidently say this is one of his best works. He has worked extremely hard for this one," Nawazuddin told PTI.

The 41-year-old actor first worked with Kashyap in "Black Friday" and then featured in the two-part crime saga "Gangs of Wasseypur". Nawazuddin says the "Dev D" director brings out something unexpected out of him and is willing to explore the "unknown" territory.

"Working with him (Anurag) is always nice. He always gives me new dimensions to perform as an actor and lets me in a new territory. Together, we explore the unknown. Be it just an appearance in a song in 'Dev D' ('Emotional Atyachar'), or something like 'Raman Raghav', he offers me roles which are completely unexpected," Nawazuddin added.

Even though his collaborations with the "Ugly" helmer have always proved to be a success, Nawazuddin says there is never a pressure on the duo. "We cannot work if there is pressure. We both have a process. He (Anurag) works very honestly towards his craft and there is no compromise from my side. We can't work thinking about the final result because that is wrong. We never feel under any pressure," he further said.

"Raman Raghav 2.0", which also stars Vicky Kaushal will be showcased at Cannes' Directors Fortnight section. The festival will open on May 11. "Raman Raghav 2.0" will be Nawazuddin's eighth movie at the prestigious festival after films like "The Lunchbox", "Gangs of Wasseypur", "Miss Lovely" among others, and the "Badlapur" actor says he is very excited.

"I have gone to Cannes twice and eight of my films have gone there. Still, I feel the same excitement as I felt when I went there for the first time. The feeling is amazing," he concluded.

"Raman Raghav 2.0" is scheduled to release in the country on June 24.