Comedy and crime - Ajay balances both with élan

New Delhi, July 8 (IANS) The intense "Omkara" and the breezy "Golmaal"... Ajay Devgan's July releases could not be better timed with the actor, under attack for doing serious roles, saying that he is trying "hard not to create any image".

"I am not trying to create any image. I am trying to do different roles. I enjoy doing good work, that's all," Ajay told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.

Ajay, who says he is not trying to get into an image trap, is quite upbeat about his two forthcoming films.

In tone, temperament and genre both the movies are vastly different - "Omkara", based on "Shakespeare's "Othello", is poignant and intense while "Golmaal" is light and funny.

Ajay plays the title role in Vishal Bharadwaj's much-anticipated "Omkara", set in western Uttar Pradesh. He will be seen as a group leader who heads a gang of outlaws. Saif Ali Khan and Viveik Oberoi play his gang-mates and Kareena Kapoor is his love interest in the film.

Director Rohit Shetty's "Golmaal" is also a multi-starrer comedy starring, apart from Ajay, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi, Tusshar Kapoor and Paresh Rawal.

"It's a fun film. It is all about four characters who have nothing to do in life. They just don't want to do anything in life - not even make money. But at the same time they don't harm anybody. They are very cute," said Ajay.

He clarified misconceptions that he plays a college student in the film. "I am not playing a college student. In fact, Sharman is a college student. He is studying medicine."

Although he has formed a reputation as an intense actor with films like "Company", "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", "GangaaJal" and "Apaharan", Ajay is equally capable of handling comedy and "Golmaal" will prove it.

Earlier, the funny side of his personality came to the fore in films like "Major Saab" and "Ishq".

Asked about his expectations from the two releases, he said: "Both the films have shaped up very well and rest I leave to the audience because they are the best judge."

Ajay burnt his fingers as a producer by financing a box office dud like "Raju Chacha" and says 'no' to direction.

"I have produced films but I don't have any plans to direct a film. I am too busy with my acting assignments," said Ajay, who hasn't had time to see wife Kajol's comeback movie "Fanaa" with Aamir Khan.

"I wasn't in town when it was released. I haven't seen the film yet, so I can't comment on it."

"Golmaal" releases on July 14 and "Omkara" on July 28.

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