‘Film failure didn’t surprise me’

Actor Abhay Deol, whose performance was appreciated by critics in Ahista Ahista, says he is not surprised that the film bombed."It has not done as well as I wanted. I wasn't surprised. The reason being the pre-release thing didn't go well. It was done in a rush. If pre-release marketing is not executed properly, it affects a film's fate," Abhay said.

However, it hasn't dampened his spirit because critics appreciated his work. "I got more appreciation for Ahista Ahista than Socha Naa Tha. People liked my work and they felt that I have done a wonderful job. Critics felt that I have the potential and that is definitely encouraging," he added.He is trying to manoeuvre his career in the right direction and feels it is important to be associated with a big banner.

"I need to be associated with established banners. As soon as you get one big banner, half the battle is won. The film is marketed properly and the entire country sees it, that makes you public-friendly, which is very important to be successful. I have got offers but I can't talk about them right now," he says.In spite of two consecutive flops Abhay is not ready to compromise with creativity.

"I am an idealist. I chose roles that offer scope for performance and allow me to explore and be creative. I like to experiment. I like to be spontaneous. I don't like to be told how to do a scene. I like to play around with scenes and characters. I like freedom especially in the beginning when there is no conformation on the character." He says as long as he can strike a balance between commercialisation and creativity he will continue working. "It is true that I want my creative freedom. But at the same time I also want my producers to profit," Abhay adds.