Emraan Hashmi, who is gearing up for the release of his next movie ‘Raaz 3’, third movie in ‘Raaz’ franchise, said that he feels very close to the franchise as he has been a part of it since its inception.

Emraan Hashmi’s Bollywood career began at 18 with the movie ‘Raaz’, as the actor was an assistant director of the movie. Later Emraan Hashmi went on to play the male lead in ‘Raaz 2’. And once again the actor plays the lead in ‘Raaz 3’.

“I’ve seen the franchise take birth. That was kind of my birth as an actor also. I love the genre, I love horror. So being part of it in the second one was a dream come true. And then after that, Vikram Bhatt came back with the franchise. I guess he’s put in all the elements to make it a commercial potboiler and not just a horror film. There’s the element of thrill in it, there’s romance, great music, everything that makes it exciting,” said Emraan Hashmi to a daily in an interview.

“Also the fact that the film is in 3D, could be a huge draw. People, I’m sure, have never seen this kind of 3D in Bollywood before. Vikram has really done a fantastic job with ‘Raaz 3’,” he added.

When asked if it was difficult to come back to the bran ‘Raaz’ that has been very successful in the past he said, “There were expectations, I’m sure huge ones. It’s a fantastic film to be associated with, but there was no pressure as such. At the back of your mind, you know that there’s certain connectivity with the audience. Perceivably, probably it’s a niche, but this is more of a mainstream film. So as far as the script is concerned and the way the film was being shot, the screenplay and all – it’s very commercial.”

Emraan Hashmi said that he expects a lot from ‘Raaz 3’ and hopes it becomes a huge hit.

“Lot of expectations. I hope this film is a huge, huge success. It will be one. It has already received a great response with the opening show. Theatres have been pre-booked across cities and towns, tickets are sold out for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Audiences have more faith in the film, and that’s great,” he concluded.

‘Raaz 3’ is story of story of an actress named Shanaya Kejal (played by Bipasha Basu), who is on a decline and resorts to black magic to regain her lost fame, to destroy the career of an upcoming actress played by Esha Gupta and also win back her boyfriend Emraan Hashmi.

Directed by Vikram Bhatt the movie is all set to release on September 7, 2012.