Maddy: I havent shown what Im capable of

Madhavan made his Bollywood debut with Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein and went on to have memorable roles in Rang De Basanti, Guru, Tanu Weds Manu, 3 Idiotsand others.

"I haven't shown them [Bollywood filmmakers] what I am capable of. I took a break for three years from work and then I did Tanu Weds Manu Returns and upon its release I got so much love and affection from just one film," Madhavan said in an interview.

"I wish I could do a film every three months as who doesn't want to drive Bentley or Rolls Royce, but at the end of the day you should be satisfied with the work you are doing. For me, doing a film just for the sake of money doesn't work," he said.

Madhavan agrees that getting good work is difficult but for him it isn't a competition.

"I am not competing with Khans or with anyone. The only thing I believe is doing good work. So, competing with each other is a media game. Making a good film is difficult, creating the right first look, making sure the film is marketed well and is released on time," he said.

"I feel winning an award doesn't give me any authority... that is a sad part. Maybe after winning an Oscar I can make a film as the budget [will be] there. Winning an award in India is meaningless and there is nothing new [about it]... it is just news-worthy," he added.

While shooting for the sequel of Tanu Weds Manu, Madhavan and director Aanand L Rai hoped that the film would do well at the box office.

"There were more aspirations from this film [Tanu Weds Manu Returns]. It is a tough role for me as I had no lines in the film," he said.

"[The director Aanand L Rai and I] were hoping at least this film will be a hit. But this kind of response that is translating into huge box office numbers is something we did not anticipate," he added.

The 45-year-old actor says he knew the film would do well because of the endearing quality of its characters.

"I would say the true superstars of this film are Aanand L Rai and [screenwriter] Himanshu Sharma. I feel they are not given enough credit. They made a film that is truly amazing," he said.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns has reportedly earned around Rs1.5 billion (Dh85.9 million) at the box office. Madhavan is happy that the film has entered the Rs1 billion club but he doesn't believe in the number game.

"The only number that matters is longevity, how many years and how many people are offering you the film that you want to do. I think the biggest and most successful person is Mr Amitabh Bachchan who is doing a film even now and his films do well," he said.

Madhavan will be next seen in Saala Khadoos where he plays the role of a retired boxer.