Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik, known for his comic timing, plays a negative character in "Lakshmi" and confesses he was sceptical about playing the 'monstrous' role.

"I was very scared because to play a totally negative character which is not likeable is tough, " said Kaushik, who is also the co-producer of "Lakshmi", which is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.

"But this is what Nagesh wanted to do. In the beginning of the film you will see that man is quiet normal and lovable, but he turns out to be a monster, " the actor known for his award winning funny roles in "Ram Lakhan" and "Saajan Chale Sasural", said Tuesday at the trailer launch of the film.

"Lakshmi" narrates the story of a girl who first becomes a victim of child trafficking and is later pushed into prostitution. Set for a Jan 17 release, the film stars singer Monali Thakur in the lead along with Shefali Shah, Ram Kapoor and Nagesh.