Madurai temple rebuilt for big budget 'Arjun'

Hyderabad, Aug 13 (IANS): The heady combination of Mahesh and director Gunasekar is back in "Arjun", one of the most-awaited Telugu releases this year.

The duo's earlier release "Okadu", was a blockbuster, and producer Ramesh, brother of Mahesh, is counting on another money spinner.

"It will be a slick action film," says Mahesh, who is banking on "Arjun" to regain his stardom after the failure of "Nizzam" and "Naani" at the box office.

Pretty Shreya is paired opposite Mahesh while noted actors Prakash Raj and Sarita play other key roles.

Mahesh describes "Arjun" as the costliest film ever made in Telugu.

"To provide more creative freedom to my director, we erected this costly set reproducing the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, one of the best works of ace art director Thota Tharani," he reveals.

The 10-films-old actor has resolved to discard experimental films and do films closer to his action image to keep his fans happy. He is confident that "Arjun" will be "an ideal comeback film".

Director Gunasekar claims that the story required a divine character and so he had opted for goddess Madurai Meenakshi.

"The deity plays a very significant part in the story. Also, the Madurai backdrop will look fresh," says the director known for his fascination with huge sets.

Actor-turned-producer Ramesh describes "Arjun" as a "breathtaking action movie".

The film will be released Aug 18.