'Big banners make a huge difference'

Abhay Deol on why he feels it is important to be associated with a big banner to be successful.

Actor Abhay Deol, whose performance was appreciated by critics in Ahista Ahista, says he was not surprised that the film bombed.

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"It has not done as well as I wanted. I wasn't surprised. The reason being the pre-release thing didn't go well. If pre-release marketing is not executed properly, it affects a film's fate," Abhay told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

However, it hasn't dampened his spirit because critics appreciated his work. "I got more appreciation for Ahista Ahista than Socha Naa Tha. Critics felt that I have the potential and that is definitely encouraging," said Abhay.

He is trying to manoeuvre his career in the right direction and he feels it is important to be associated with a big banner.

"I need to be associated with established banners. As soon as you get a big banner - half the battle is won. The film is marketed properly. The entire country sees it and 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."

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."

However, he has learned to accept failures. "When Socha Na Thaa was declared a flop there was a mix of insecurity, anger. Sometimes I felt may be I am not cut out for this industry.

After doing romance and drama, Abhay now wants to do thrillers. "At the moment I would like to do thrillers because I have done romance, comedy and drama. I would like to do action films as well. That's how I feel right now because I haven't been there yet."

He is looking forward to 1.40 Ki Last Local with Neha Dhupia, Reema Kagti's Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd and Venod Mitra's bilingual Meridian which is written by Anurag Kashyap.