''Love Failure' an experiment gone right'

His excitement is evident in his voice as actor Siddharth Narayan, more popularly known as Sid, whizzes through Bangalore to check out Bangalore’s verdict on his latest release; not only has he played the lead in it, Siddharth has also produced and distributed it. This bi-lingual film, Love Failure (in Telugu) and Kadhalil Sodhapuvadu Yeppadi (in Tamil), which also stars Tamil and Telugu actor Amala Paul, is what the actor likes to call “an experiment gone right”.

“The two versions were shot together in just 35 days and on a very tight budget. And then, it was marketed extensively. In fact, we decided to release in Bangalore almost a week later to see if people would actually watch a film through word of mouth. And it worked.  I came to Bangalore to drop by a few of the theatres to see the reactions of people and I have to say that it was overwhelming! We’ve even released it with English subtitles in select theatres for  those who don’t understand either Telugu or Tamil; even that plan worked like a charm!” says Siddharth.

Playing producer for the first time, the actor says that it was an experience that he’ll never forget. “When I decided to produce the film, I’d promised myself that nothing would surprise me and I would be prepared for everything. All that went out of the window! It was one crazy ride and my respect for producers has gone a couple of notch higher,” he says.

Both the Telugu and the Tamil versions have done well, especially in Bangalore, raking in the moolah, nice and proper. “It just proves that experimental cinema works in this country. One just has to have the right plan of action — from story, budgeting, marketing, distribution — in place. If you act in an experimental film, you get great reviews but don’t make much money. And commercial cinema brings in lots of money; but then, you’re doing something that’s just part of the routine. But for us, it was a win-win situation — we’ve got critical appreciation and we’re making the money!” adds the positively delighted actor.

This year is quite the insane one for Siddharth — he’s got back to back projects including six releases this year and of course, the much-talked about association with Tamil director Vetriraman. “I am also looking forward to David Dhawan’s Chasme Baddoor with Ali Zafar and of course, Midnight’s Children by Deepa Mehta — a film that has a lot riding on it — to hit the floors,” says Siddharth. But at the same time, Sid’s mind is working twice as fast; what is his next production going to be like? “My company, called Etaki Productions, intends to make films that no one else will produce — so I am looking forward to many more successful experiments because I know they will work,” he signs off.