Priyarshan's latest release has kept him in the news. Last week Friendship, starring Tabu, was in the eye of a storm after the film's producer, Matchindra Chate, accused the acclaimed director of stealing scenes from it for Priyadarshan's December release, Bhagam Bhag. "I sought the permission of co-producer Mukesh Shetty to repeat the scenes. I'm being made the scapegoat of a misunderstanding between the two producers," he defends.

What he is thrilled about however, although he won't talk much about it, is the script he's working on for Shah Rukh Khan's home production.

He'd rather discuss quitting mainstream cinema in another few years. "I'm working on a Tamil film about Kanjeevaram weavers, titled Silk Worm," says the filmmaker. "I don't care about logic when I make a film for money. But when it's a film like Silk Worm, I am not bothered about how it fares in box office."

Surprising words from the maker of 2005's mega hit Hera Pheri. Not only is the king of comedy averse to making sequels (this film's part two was made by Neeraj Vohra in 2006 - also a hit), he has decided to retire from the funny stuff completely. "Dhol will be the last comedy I'll direct. I've had enough of it," says the 49-year-old director.

He isn't just giving quotes; he means business. "I have three films coming up for T-Series, Shemaroo and UTV, all of which are based on serious themes. One of them will have Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, and will be a horror film. There's also an action film with Akshaye Khanna," he adds. When it was pointed out that most of his recent projects are remakes of his earlier Malayalam films, he replies, "When I made the originals, I didn't have the budget to make them the way I wanted to," he reasons. "My success in Hindi films has given me that opportunity."

While he was at it, Priyadarshan established a brand of comedies, looking alike, with their multiple stars and situational gags. "There's always a pressure from producers to continue making the same kind of films," he regrets.

Though Bhagam Bhag failed to succeed, Priyadarshan has learned a lesson. "I agree with critics who didn't find the film interesting post-interval. I've even made certain changes in Dhol, it has a murder woven into it to make the second part as exciting," he laughs.