Arjun with 100 odd films in his kitty and 20 long years in the Tamil industry speaks to Galatta.com in an exclusive interview about his future projects and plans.

What is the current film Ottran about?

It’s about the current scenario on terrorism in the country. It is based on the recent Parliament shoot out in Delhi by terrorists. I play the role of a RAW agent. Fight against terrorism is the key point of the film. Of course the film has all commercial ingredients of action, family and good comedy. Simran plays opposite to me who acts as an MCA student and gets kidnapped by terrorists. I go for her rescue. Director Ilangkannan, an associate of Shankar is directing this film.

Why Bharathwaj was replaced by Praveen Mani?

I am not the producer of this film. I really do not know anything about all these politics. But I can vouch that the songs have come out very well. Two of the songs have been shot at lush locales of Goa.

What is the conflict going on with your earlier film Parasuram’s producer Anbalaya Prabhakaran?

There is a problem between us but not to the extent blown by the press. These things are common in the film industry. But I never ever dreamt that this producer would behave like this. As the actor director of the film I demanded my money. Is there anything wrong in it? I am not a person who sits and relaxes if my shot gets over. I know the difficulties of producing a film. So even if it’s not my own film I involve myself in all aspects and see that producer burden is lessened.

What about the gossips that are making rounds about your alleged misbehavior with your heroines and that you recommend for particular actresses?

(Gets furious) All rubbish! Why should I be bad to my heroines? All my heroines respect me a lot. They have a very good rapport with me. Ask Kushbhu (first heroine) or Manisha, Raveena, Tabu – they all have high opinion on me. What do these gossip writers gain by defaming me, I really do not understand!

You feel offended…
Obviously. We are also human beings and have feelings like others. I have a grown up daughter and she feels so embarrassed when her class mates talks about the gossips that appear about me. The journos should have some responsibility while writing about anyone.

How do you manage the competition from young heroes like Dhanush, Ravi and Simbu?

(Laughs) I don’t consider these heroes as my competitors at all. I have completed 100 films and I am here for the last 20 years. I am not doing a college going hero role. I take up roles that suit my image and physique.

Everyone has a day. It’s a welcoming change that more and more newcomers enter each day. One should be well balanced and have sustained dedication. At the same time I am not underestimating the new generation. They are much more careful and matured. But if you don’t have real stuff people will not accept you.

What are your future projects and plans?

Ottran will be released for Diwali. Arasatchi by C TV is complete. Manikanda with Jothika by Selva is fast progressing. Jaisurya by Manoj Kumar is recently launched. Then there is a Telugu mythological film where I play Lord Hanuman in Krishna Vamsi’s direction.

May be in 2 years time after completing the current assignments, I may move full time as a director giving way to youngsters.