Priyan apologizes to Devgn, blames producers of Tezz

By Subhash K. Jha -

May 3, 2012 - 1:18 AM IST

Priyan apologizes to Devgn, blames producers of Tezz

It's two down for Ajay Devgn and Priyadarshan. The superstar currently riding the highest waves of success had his success streak broken twice by Priyadarshan. First with Aakrosh and now Tezz. And Priyan is deeply mortified about letting down Devgn.

Thanks to the horrific experience that Priyadarshan has suffered in getting his latest film through post-production, the prolific director has decided to change his working policy.

Priyan apologizes to Devgn, blames producers of Tezz

"From now, I'll put it in all my contracts that I won't show a single frame of my film to my producer until the film is completed, edited and full post-production is done," declares Priyan, wondering what hit him.

Hurting under the impact of the failure of Tezz, Priyan says, "The producers took over the film from me after I shot it. It was edited by them. And the results were there for everyone to see. So many people including critics have told me that they couldn't follow the narration in Tezz because of the editing."

While admitting he had no authority over the final editing Priyan says he is most upset because he has let down Ajay Devgn. Says the apologetic director, "Ajay trusted me completely. We had earlier worked in Aakrosh and hit it off beautifully. He signed Tezz because of me. He could've done any project but he chose mine instead. And this is what happens! I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed."

Priyan is shocked by a Devgn starrer getting such a low opening. "I can't say I'm surprised. After the way the film has been edited it has to be rejected. So much of my energy and effort went into Tezz. It was my first action film. And I wanted it to turn out to be the perfect action adventure. More than myself, I feel bad for Ajay. I don't know how to face him. I can only tell him I'll make up to him with a successful film as soon as possible."

Trying to rationalize the damage, Priyan says, "It was my mistake. Normally I do all the post-production work including editing in Chennai. This time, because we had shot the Tezz in Mumbai and abroad I decided to do the post-production in Mumbai. That was a mistake .The producer took over the film from me. I had no authority over how the film finally looked."

Priyan had a similar run-in with producer Feroz Nadiadwala during Hera Pheri when the producer insisting on adding two songs against Priyan's wishes."But I had edited the rest of Hera Pheri. Those songs were added because the producer felt the film lacked glamour. Tezz was taken away from me. I had no control over the editing."

When asked why a man of his experience allowed such liberties, Priyan sighs, "One lives and learns. I've nothing against Mr. Ratan Jain. I'm sure he did what he thought was right for the film. But this was not the film I wanted audiences to see."

Priyan says he wouldn't mind working with Jain again. "But this time he'd have to sign a contract stating I'd have full control over the film's content and editing. In fact all my producers in future would have to give the same undertaking."