The actor, who is famous for his physique, feels he has finally managed to step out of his image by playing this real-life inspired character.
Surve, a member of the Mumbai underworld, was gunned down in an encounter with police at suburban Wadala in 1982, in what is said to be the city's first recorded encounter.
"The story of Manya Surve is very interesting, it was a different character. It is not a risk, it is re-introduction of John Abraham. It is a new beginning. Hope people see me in a different light."
"For the first time I have left John Abraham behind. People will remember Manya Surve and I am confident about it. We are hopeful people will like the film," John told reporters here last evening.
The actor, whose last film 'I Me Aur Main' did not do well at the box office, thinks negative roles bring him more attention.
"Whenever I do negative roles the films work. Last time I did a positive role and the film did not work. I love negative roles. Normal is boring... anyone can play a hero, to play negative is an edge," he said.
Directed by Sanjay Gupta, 'Shootout at Wadala' stars John, Anil Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Tusshar Kapoor and Sonu Sood in lead roles. The film is slated for release on May 3.
"We all play gangsters in the film, we have not glorified them, shown gangsters like they are. We have tried to stay close to the facts," said the actor, who is teaming up with Gupta after 'Zinda'.
His another famous negative role was in 'Dhoom'.