Ironically, all his serious-toned films in Hindi including the recent 'Billu' with Shah Rukh Khan have been failures.

'I've to make what the audience likes. But now I also have to make films that are close to my heart.

''Kanchivaram' is a completely original screenplay. And I'm really happy for my leading man Prakash Raj. He has breathed life into the role of the silk weaver. Sabu Cyril who has worked many times with me got the National Award for Best Art Direction. Sabu has made every frame look like a silk saree woven with love and care.'

Sadly Priyan missed out on the National Award for Best Director. 'But no regrets. Adoor Gopalkrishnan is a colleague I greatly admire. He deserved it. I'm just glad to be finally recognised after all these years.'

Gopalkrishnan won the award for 'Nalu Pennnugal'.