There was some good recognition and appreciation that Jackky Bhagnani got when he came up with a good and well balanced performance in 'Youngistaan'. While many stood up noticed that the youngster, who did have a successful F.A.L.T.U. behind him, could demonstrate a different facet of his acting abilities, the makers even pitched for an Oscars nominations for the film.

A little more than a year down the line and after having played the part of a sophisticated Prime Minister candidate, Jackky is taking an about turn and getting into a goofy avtar for 'Welcome To Karachi'. As a young Gujarati boy who finds himself in Pakistan without any official papers whatsoever, Jackky is supposed to have let his funny side do all the talking in this Ashish R. Mohan (Khiladi 786) directed film.

"As an actor, Jackky has progressed quite well and 'Youngistaan' was a testimony of that. With 'Welcome To Karachi', he has explored his comic side to the fullest," says an insider who has had a dekko at the film, "It has been a little more than a year after Youngistaan, a film where audience really liked him. Now that is helping Jackky gain further recognition for 'Welcome To Karachi' as he has turned out to be a huge surprise element for the film which has a veteran comic actor in the form of Arshad Warsi."

No wonder, Vashu Bhagnani - who is not just Jackky's father but also the film's producer - is ecstatic with the kind of reports that are floating in and the buzz that the film is managing to create.

"A lot of credit for that goes to Jackky. Whatever mileage we are getting is due to Youngistaan. There is certain confidence that audience has in him that he has done well before, and he is going to do well even now," says Vashu Bhagnani.

Facts and figures speak loud too, what with the film's official promo enjoying over 3 million views already with more than 90% likes.

"Now this is pretty much a testimony of how the film is scoring big time on the buzz quotient," says Vashu Bhagnani, "I am highly satisfied."

With the film releasing a week from now on Thursday, 28th May, one looks forward to the outcome in theaters.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Watch 'Welcome To Karachi' Trailer