In 1993, he starred in S. Shankar's blockbuster "Gentleman" which opened to positive reviews, while Arjun went on to win the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor. During this time, he starred in hits such as "Jai Hind" (1994), "Karnaa" (1995), and the action thriller film "Kurudhipunal" (1995), for which Arjun won acclaim for his role while the film became India's official entry for the 68th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category. In 1999, he starred in the political action-thriller, "Mudhalvan" (1999), which earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his role as well as numerous other nominations. He was then featured in Vasanth's romantic drama film "Rhythm", where he played a photographer, who eventually falls in love with a widow. Featuring a popular soundtrack and opening to positive reviews, "Rhythm" also became a commercial success.