Arjun Rampal: Formula films have become redundant

Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal is looking forward to the sequel of his two unconventional films 'Aankhen' and 'Rock On' and the actor is happy that the audience is accepting content over formula.

The actor, best known for his films like "Don", "Om Shanti Om", "Housefull", "Ra.One", says people want to invest in quality stories.

"Cinema is changing. Audiences have also changed, they have become content-driven, they don't want to get bored. Formula films have become redundant which is great. 'Aankhen' brought in a change, it was a different story," Arjun told PTI.

The 43-year-old actor will be seen in sequel of "Aankhen" that will be produced by Gaurang Doshi and directed by Anees Bazmee.

"It's a sequel and not franchise. The difference between franchise and sequel is that in a franchise you use the title and have different characters like 'Housefull'," he said.

"While in a sequel you retain some characters which is what we have done with 'Aankhen' and 'Rock On'. You add more characters and a different story. Unfortunately, we say it's a sequel in our country and it's not," he added.

"Aankhen" revolved around Vijay Singh Rajput (Amitabh Bachchan), a bank employee who after being fired from his job seeks revenge by organising a heist with the help of three blind men.

The "Om Shanti Om" actor and Big B will reprise their role from the original, the new additions to the sequel include Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Regina Cassandra.

"It was an unconventional story but it was liked by audience. It was an unbelievable story of how three blind men rob a bank. It was portayed convincingly and in real way. It was a heist film but it was a family entertainer," Arjun said.

"The characters played by me and Amitji have changed over the years. There is a complete physical metamorphosis of my character," he added.

According to "Rajneeti" actor the makers of "Aankhen 2" will make use of technology.

"It took 14 years for us to make the sequel. During this time technology and VFX has changed a lot. VFX has become exciting and interesting thing today. We want to be visually appealing. We will be raising the bar with action," Arjun said.

Besides his films, Arjun has been in news for his personal life but the actor says he does not bother to read what is written about him.

"I have never had any relationship with the media. It has always been a volatile relationship. I don't care. I have stopped reading newspapers," he added.