Actor-producer John Abraham, who is known for his perfect body, had to shed weight for his forthcoming film "Madras Cafe".

The film is a political-thriller and has been directed by Shoojit Sircar. The story deals with terrorism and civil war and was reportedly shot in Sri Lanka and India.

"I had asked John to lose weight for this film and he did that. If he stands in a crowd he should not stand out he should look like one of them as he is not hero in the film. Heroism of the film is the content and not John," Sircar told .

"You will see a new John in this film," he added.

Sircar, who has worked with John in his previous project "Vicky Donor", says that they now share a great relationship.

"Now we are good friends its a good relationship. We are planning for few more films together. We want to take this relationship ahead he never interferes in my work and its vise versa. I don't know marketing so he takes care of it," he said.

"Madras Cafe" is slated to release August 23.