Suneel Darshan's musical success

Veteran filmmaker Suneel Darshan's musical mystery, Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha, has hit the right chord and emerged a musical success. The film stars Darshan's son, Shiv, alongside newcomer Natasha Fernandez. Actor-model Upen Patel is also seen in a pivotal role in the romantic thriller.

Talking about the film's success, Darshan says, "Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha has been appreciated by its target audience. The overwhelming response that we have received for the music has been instrumental in making this film a success. The track, Hue Bechain, has registered a whopping 7.5 million views, while other songs are also catching on. Nadeem's (Saifi) melody has appealed to the masses. We are optimistic that as the music continues to be appreciated, the film will attract more viewers on digital platforms."

Even as the film's online audience continues to grow, it has been panned by critics. The filmmaker, however, feels the negative reviews stem from certain elements in the industry who have vested interests in his film's debacle. He says he is glad that the movie is finding its audience, and all attempts to malign it are failing.

The filmmaker is all praise for his son, who, he says, has been able to understand the demands of his character. The young actor, his father points out, has portrayed the intensity that was required.

"There's a lot more that the viewers will get to see from Shiv," he says. "I, as a filmmaker, have noticed tremendous growth in him, and I'm sure he will silence his critics in the future."

Darshan acknowledges that the film has attracted few to cinema halls but cites the newly introduced GST system, which has put cinema services under the 28 per cent tax slab, as reason for the poor turnout.