Waited three years to cast Akshay: Neeraj Pandey

Interestingly, Akshay was offered the role four years ago but things didn't work out then. "Over a year ago, the producers suggested I hear the script again. I did and wondered why I had said no. I told them we should start shooting ASAP," says Akshay.

About casting the actor, Neeraj says, "We were clear he'd be the best choice. Unfortunately, there was a communication gap, but in the end, it turned out as we wanted. I believe in anti-casting. So breaking the kind of image Akshay has, as an actor, was the trigger."

That's also why the actor won't be doing action scenes in this film. Akshay quips, "I'm doing 'mind action'… something I've never done before. The film shows how this guy's mind worked. He could con people with the snap of a finger. These kind of people are the biggest action masters. They don't use kicks and punches to get what they want."

The actor asserts that he found common ground with Pandey by becoming "a director's actor. Everything I'm doing in the film was taught to me by Neeraj. Every moment in the film is like a joyride. Once it starts, you can't do anything. The machine does everything, including reaching you to your destination."

Neeraj maintains, "Akshay's got an ability to listen, which is a rarity. Here, people are talking all the time. He has an immense sense of discipline. Working with him is special."

The film also features Manoj Bajpayee, Jimmy Sheirgill, Anupam Kher and Kaajal Agarwal. Special Chabbis, produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, releases February 8.