With Enakkul Oruvan up next, Siddharth talks about working towards a worthwhile filmography.

Siddharth will remember 2014 as the year of duality. He scaled new highs with a powerhouse performance in Jigarthanda but was crushed when period drama Kaaviya Thalaivan fell rather flat.

But, he says, 2015 will determine if he is on the right track. First up, on March 6, is Enakkul Oruvan, a remake of the Kannada super hit Lucia, with first-time director Prasad Ramar and producer C.V. Kumar. Next up are films Siddharth is producing under his Etaki Entertainment banner. “This is going to be an eventful year,” he smiles.

“I’ve had an interesting five-film journey — from Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi, Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru and Jigarthanda to Kaaviya Thalaivan and now Enakkul Oruvan,” says the realistic star, adding that Enakkul Oruvan has great content. “It has shaped up well. I am delighted it is releasing when so many good films are waiting in the cans.”

As we speak, the dream that was Kaaviya Thalaivan creeps in. “I believe it got the short end of the stick. I was disappointed at how it was written off.” He hopes that years later, when people put together a retrospective of his works, it will feature in it. “And I hope there will be a filmography of some quality to choose from. That’s what I am working on.”

Much has been said about the actor’s transformation for Enakkul Oruvan. “It was a huge compliment when many people could not see it was me in one of the roles. I finally move away from the ‘chocolate hero’ look,” he laughs, before adding seriously: “My looks are a boon and a bane.”

Enakkul Oruvan is a performance-based film, says Siddharth, “After a long time, I occupy a lot of screen space. I can’t hide behind anyone or anything.” The film has redeemed the actor’s faith in himself. “It’s a new body language. The homework I put in is the boring, technical part. When it clicks, the hard work will bear fruit.”

Siddharth is confident the industry has space for all players, whether 100-crore club members or makers of small and beautiful films. “There are films that do both art and commerce, but there are niche films too. We need them as much as we need star vehicles that mint crores and keep the industry going.”

The year has also seen the actor battle personal crisis. “Personal turmoil affects people in all fields but, sadly, in the industry, not only do we deal with pain but also with public judgment.” As always, Siddharth banks on family to bail him out of the blues. And then, of course, there are his dogs Mowgli and Nori.