Expanse of language helped `Bodyguard` score success: Siddique

Mumbai: Eminent film director Siddique, whose `Bodyguard` starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor scored phenomenal success in Bollywood, today said the broad space offered by the language and territory of Hindi cinema made the film a huge commercial hit. "I have learnt that the territory you stand is most important. The film, which was a moderate success in Malayalam and did well in Tamil, became a hit because it was made in Hindi," Siddique said here. The film was remade in Tamil as `Kaavalan` with Vijay and Asin in lead roles, while the original had Dileep and Nayantara as main characters. "I have narrated the same story. I have shown the same sincerity in all the three versions and I have not put any extra bit of effort for the version in Hindi. But still it clicked owing to the expanse of the Hindi cinema world," Siddique said. He said even if there was a good story, a film might not become a commercial success if the territory had limitations. "My only homework for the Hindi version was studying and comparing the cinemas from different languages," he said. `Bodyguard`, the second remake of 2010 Malayalam film of the same title, fetched Rs 102.86 crore in the first week of its release, making it the highest opening week grosser in Bollywood, he said. Siddique said though there were more offers from Hindi, he would not abandon Malayalam cinema. "Hopefully, my next project will be in Malayalam with Mohanlal," he said. He said the entry of corporates in cinema production had helped it move away from black money. There was now transparency in production and efficiency in marketing which was reflected in the success of many films. To a question on art and commercial cinema, Siddique said he felt that whatever film he had made was a good one. "Otherwise I would not have done them. But each director has his own way," he said. "There is also value for brilliance as talents are getting more remuneration. Six out of ten best cinematographers in India are from Kerala, but are working outside," he said. Siddique said there was a wind of change in Malayalam cinema of late. "Good cinema is being made within limitations and that is a good sign," he said. On the rift between various film organisations in Malayalam, he said Malayalees were highly sensitive. However, no organisation should work in a way that hampered cinema production, he said. Siddique said after 22 years in filmdom, it was altogether a different experience to have become a director "who is now known across India and the countrymen abroad." PTI