The juice on Ranbir-Katrina's Rajneeti

The political drama 'Rajneeti' has just finished shooting and lead Ranbir Kapoor is ecstatic with the way the film has turned out.

Reportedly, 'Rajneeti' is inspired by the 'Mahabharata' and is a dark political drama, a satire on the Indian political system. The film, directed by Prakash Jha boasts an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Vivek Oberoi and Manoj Bajpai. Director Prakash Jha has earlier made the acclaimed political and socio-political films Damul (1984), Mrityudand (1997), Gangaajal (2003) and Apaharan (2005).

Nothing else is known of the plot, but according to Ranbir Kapoor it is the first time he has played a mature, antagonistic role. "I have usually acted in coming-of-age dramas or done lover boy roles in my films so far but `Rajneeti` is my first mature role. It is a dark political thriller and also my first character with grey shades," Ranbir stated in an interview. Rajneeti is based on the politics in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and Ranbir has just wrapped up the shoot in Bhopal. "It was really great to work with Prakash Jha. He is one of the great directors in the industry and has contributed a lot to Indian cinema. The film has a great ensemble cast. We just finished the shooting," he added.

Ranbir will be seen on screen with Katrina for the second time, after the recent comedy 'Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani'. The film, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi has opened to huge collections in the first week and is touted as the biggest hit of 2009, with '3 idiots' still to release. Ranbir was only more than happy to work with Katrina again. "Katrina is phenomenal. She has this undying energy on the set. She is so successful but never takes it for granted. From not knowing the language to becoming one of the biggest star, she has achieved a lot. I have tremendous respect for her as an artiste," he said said.

Before 'Rajneeti', Ranbir's other film `Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year` will hit theaters. The film is directed by Shimit Amin who earlier made the box office smash 'Chak de India' and the gritty critically acclaimed 'Ab tak chappan'. The actor grew a beard for the film. "Rocket Singh is about a real sardar. He has no similarity with our filmi sardar. It is a underdog story. My character is a middle-class guy, who wants to be a salesman, it is his story," he said.

Since his less than spectacular debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya', Ranbir has delivered a one-two punch with 'Wake up sid' and 'Ajab Prem', he is now regarded by many as the finest entertainer of his generation. "I am in a hurry. It seems to me that time is running out. I wish I had 48 hours in a day then perhaps I will achieve my dreams faster. I have really waited for 24 years to be where I am today." he stated.