Director Shoojit Sircar, whose film 'Vicky Donor' has bagged three national awards, says he was happy and surprised to see the film, which deals with the subject of sperm donation, well received by the audiences

"I did not know how a topic like sperm donation would be received well by the audience, but all my doubts cleared once I came to know that the sensitive infertility issue that the film dealt with was actually discussed favourably by the people, " Shoojit told.

He thanked John Abraham for producing the film and said he had a wonderful chemistry with the actor who is appearing in his next film 'Madras Cafe'.

"He is a wonderful friend, a gem of a person, honest and straightforward. He will say things on your face and he is simple, " Shoojit said. Shoojit, who also produced a Bengali film 'Aparajita Tumi' last year, said that John plays a RAW intelligence officer in Madras Cafe which is a spy political thriller.

"The film is a James Bond type in the sense that it is the first spy thriller of a certain genre in India, but the script, the content and characters are all very Indian and contemporary, " Shoojit explained.

The director-producer said he would like to work with Ayushman Khurana again and Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, not to forget Pankaj Kapoor who is appearing in 'Madras Cafe' too.

Shoojit said he would also make a foray into Bengali films as a director shortly. In the meantime, he is producing another Bengali film by music composer Anindyo of 'Chandrabindoo' band. He said, "The film has a freshness, yet earthy Kolkata feeling which struck me." 'Bondhu Byline', shooting of which will begin by this August, will be released early, next year.

Shoojit is very excited about the present state of Bengali films and says he wants to see the string of films released recently, especially national award winner 'Shabdo', Aparna Sen's 'Goynar Bakso' and 'Hawa Bodol'.

"I like the whole bunch of new actors like Parambrata Chatterjee, " he said. The director hopes to work with the young brigade of actors Parambrata, Rudranil (Ghosh) and Tanusree some day.