Actor Sidharth Malhotra, who will be seen in a grey character in romantic thriller "Ek Villain", says he agreed to do the film because of director Mohit Suri, an expert in the genre.

"Firstly, I loved the story of the film. Secondly, Mohit Suri, the director of the film, I think he is most suited for such genre," Sidharth said here in an interview.

"Had this script involved a new director, I would not have gone for the film. I think Mohit was the right choice for the film. I was so excited because there was so much new to be done and explored," he added.

The 29-year-old's dark and intense character in the film is an antithesis to his romantic and lover boy image in his previous two films - "Student of the Year" and "Hasee Toh Phasee".

Sidharth is confident that the audience will be surprised to see him in such a character.

"I think when people do not expect you to do something unusual and that time only you come out with something like that, a surprise factor is likely to come up and this is what I like the most," the actor said.


Why did you choose to play such a grey character so early in your career?

"There is no time bounding that I should play such character today or tomorrow. Whether I do this film or the films of other genre, there is no guarantee whether that film will work or not.

"I think every film involves a risk," he added.

"Ek Villain", an Ekta Kapoor production, also features Shradhha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh.

It will hit the theatres June 27.