Arjun's films can usually be guaranteed to provide two things, patriotism and stunts, and his latest movie Ottran is chockful of these two also. Romance and realism as usual take a backseat. But with a fast-paced screenplay and good variety in the stunt sequences, Ottran proves that this is not necessarily a bad thing (if you are in the right frame of mind, ofcourse).

Sudha(Simran), who lands in Delhi to study fashion technology, is kidnapped and her kidnappers take up residence at her house in Chennai, posing as her brother's friends. Their objective is to help Robert Anthony, a terrorist, break out of jail. Karthik(Arjun), a RAW agent, rescues Divya and then enters her house posing as a cook to find out more about Robert's plans once he gets out.

The movie is successful because it doesn't rely simply on brawn. Arjun employs a few disguises to get things done and some of his plans, like the MO to capture the terrorists who are holding children hostage, show some thinking. There are also some moments of good suspense scattered throughout the movie and though we know how the movie will end, there is a feeling of unpredictability about exactly what will happen next.

It is a good thing that the movie has a fast screenplay because it is on shaky ground as far as the plot and other aspects are concerned. Breaking a top terrorist out of jail seems like a strong objective and keeps the movie going for a while. But the plan of the main terrorist makes no sense once it is revealed. And since he is in jail for pretty much the whole movie, it robs Arjun of a strong villain to go up against. His fights are with henchmen and goondas and this drains away some of the interest. The use of technology and technical jargon is over the top and ridiculous also.

Though action takes top billing, the sequences of romance and comedy that come between the action sets serve as more than just fillers. There is no real romance but Manorama has some very funny lines as she misunderstands the relation between Arjun and Simran when he brings her home. Vadivelu enters the fray rather late with Tejasri in tow but manages to raise a few laughs as he watches Tejasri's liking for Arjun. His solution to the issue is funny too but surprisingly, is not built upon and serves as the end of the comedy track rather than the beginning.

The disguises sit well on Arjun as he pummels his way through the movie. Simran looks old, jaded and disinterested throughout the movie. She has little to do also. Tejasri is just a bystander for the comedy track but takes part in the catchy but quite vulgar Chinna Veedaa... number.