Once counted among the poster boys of action films, John Abraham has, in the past few years, veered towards films with a patriotic undertone. In his next, Batla House, the actor-producer attempts a retelling of the controversial 2008 encounter that saw Delhi Police take on suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists. Explaining his recent choice of projects, Abraham says, "I harbour affection when it comes to patriotic roles. Such subjects are special. I don't think loving one's country requires any effort, so playing these characters come naturally to me. Having said that, my next [Pagalpanti] is a comedy, and I enjoy that genre."

In attempting to recreate Operation Batla House, the Nikkhil Advani- directed thriller treads on the dangerous territory — Delhi Police Special cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav was put under the scanner when theories of it being a fake encounter abounded.