His two previous films have been damp squibs. But now star son Arya Babbar is hoping his third film will change his fortunes.

The young actor, who is Raj Babbar's son, is nonplussed at the decision of the producers of "Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum" to release the film suddenly Friday.

"I suppose the producer has every right to decide when and how he wants to release his film," Arya told IANS.

"'Thoda Tum...' was supposed to release eight to nine months back. But the producers were in a bit of jam. I may be the film's hero. But at the end of the day I'm just an employee in the unit."

Fortunately the end product pleases him.

"Despite the delay, 'Thoda Tum...' looks fresh and appealing. It's a very sensible love story and what I'm really happy about is, it brings back director Eshmayeel Shroff after many years.

"If you remember he made memorable films like 'Thodisi Bewafaai',
'Ahista Ahista' and 'Bulundi' in the 1970s. I'm privileged to have worked with him. I'm delighted at how young he thinks and how well he understands young love."

"Thoda Tum..." is the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit "Anandam".

"I had never done a remake. When I saw an original Telugu film I knew I had to be in the remake.

"For better or for worse both my releases so far 'Ab Ke Baras' and 'Mudda' were original scripts. And though it didn't do well I was very happy with the feedback I got for my performance in 'Mudda'. I was really encouraged by the praise.

"I think I've improved even more in 'Thoda Tum...'"

Arya describes it as a family drama. "And by that I don't just mean it's about a family, but also a film that the whole family can enjoy together without flinching.

"There're no double meaning dialogues. No nudity, no vulgarity. I learnt a lot from Eshmayeelji. I'm so new and eager to learn. He taught me to deliver my dialogues in a normal tone. The film helped me grow as a person."

Arya's co-star Shreya Sharan "is basically from Delhi. She's already a big star in Telugu cinema. Now I'm happy she's making her Hindi debut with me".

About the film's sudden release, Arya is quiet. He then laughs uncomfortably. "All I can say is, I've worked very hard. If destiny has such sudden decisions in store for me, what can I do? I just have to take it in my stride.

"If I was the producer I'd put in a lot of effort in promotion and marketing."

Now Arya is excited about his two underproduction assignments.

"One is 'Dost Dosti Dostana' directed by Parto Ghosh. It's a film about the bonding among three friends played by Jatin Garwal, Vivek Shouq and me. But not like 'Masti' please! I have the author-backed role," Arya is quick to point out.

The other assignment he's very excited about is "Dil Humko Dijiye".

"My own dad plays my father for the first time. I find the prospect quite exciting. That film is the ace of my sleeve. But for now, I hope 'Thoda Tum...' will bring a badlao (change) in my life. "