By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Jan 26 (IANS) Director Prakash Jha is confident that his film “Raajneeti” will fetch the prestigious National Awards for Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.

“This film will take Ranbir to another level,” said Jha. He has cast the actor as US-educated scion of a political dynasty who has to reluctantly return home to shoulder his family’s duties.

“I hope, no, I’m in fact pretty certain, he’ll win the National Award for his performance,” Jha told IANS.

“Katrina has breathed fire and passion into her role. From the way she metamorphoses from a young vivacious girl to the way she walks to give her public speeches as a politician. Audiences won’t be able to believe the transformation of Katrina. I won’t be surprised if both Ranbir and Katrina win National Awards,” he added.

He can’t stop preening over the fact that his “Raajneeti” features the maximum number of National Award winners in its cast, Arjun Rampal being the latest.

“Everyone is outstanding in the film. And why not? I’ve a line-up of National Award winners in the cast - from Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar to Manoj Bajpai and Ajay Devgn.

“When I heard Arjun had won the National Award for ‘Rock On!’, I was ecstatic. He is fantastic in my film.”

Jha claims “Raajneeti” is the biggest multi-starrer. “I think it’d be impossible to get so many stars under one roof for any other director.”