MANILA – For the first time in two years, Enrique Gil is starring in a project without his onscreen partner and rumored girlfriend, actress Liza Soberano.

Gil is the lead actor in the upcoming action movie "Dukot," which is based on a real kidnapping incident in the country more than eight years ago. It is helmed by director Paul Soriano and is co-produced by Star Cinema.

HAPPENING NOW: "Dukot" presscon. The film is about kidnapping. Based on a true story, but info is confidential. pic.twitter.com/1zvlv4bm2i

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) July 2, 2016

"Nung pinitch sa akin yung movie, nag-meeting kami ni direk Paul. Iyong slideshow pa lang pinakita sa akin, 'yung first page, sabi ko, 'Okay, gagawin ko.' I want to try something new na hindi ko pa nagagawa before," he said during the film's press conference on Saturday.

In the movie, Gil plays the role of Carlo, an angsty teen considered to be the black sheep of his family. He feels he never fits in because he has always fallen short of his father’s expectations. He eventually gets abducted in the movie as his kidnappers demand ransom from his parents.

Saying he considers the movie a big challenge, Gil said: "I used to do drama, rom-com. That's why I accepted it in the first place --to bring me in another world, another situation na hindi ko alam anong gagawin ko."

According to the actor, he did a lot of research in preparation for his role.

"It's hard to act out when you've never experienced a situation like it. You can only research as much as you want… Super na-challenge ako but I like it. I want to learn. I like the challenge," he said.

Asked if Soberano has his back even if they are not together in the project, he said: "Supportive naman siya sa akin sa lahat ng ginagawa kong projects."

Aside from Gil, the movie also stars Shaina Magdaya, Ricky Davao, Christopher de Leon, Bing Pimentel, Alex Medina and Bangs Garcia. "Dukot" will open in select theaters nationwide on July 13.