Poor show of 'Contract' notwithstanding, Ram Gopal Varma has already moved ahead in life. He has kick started the promotional campaign for 'Phoonk' which is now less than a month away from release.

Yes, it is indeed true that after 'Sarkar Raj' and 'Contract' in quick succession, it is time for Ramu hat-trick with 'Phoonk' releasing on 22nd August.

"It is a media perception that I may be lying low after the non-performance of a film. However, though it may disappoint quite a few, the matter of the fact is that I never ever feel low after my film fails", says Ramu candidly.

"It has been more than 15 years since I started taking myself too seriously", laughs Ramu, "I realized that the moment you start taking yourself too seriously, you are screwed forever. It is best to leave your disappointments behind and move on in life."

This sounds good. However, isn't it too soon and too fast for Ram Gopal Varma? After all 'Phoonk' is not just Ramu's third release in a span of 3 months, it is also his sixth directorial outing in just a little more than a year ('Nishabd', 'Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag' and 'Darling' released in 2007).

Smiles Ramu, "Yes, 'Phoonk' is confirmed for 22nd August, it is final. There aren't going to be any change in plans."

But he must be certainly aware that there are as many as four other films lined up for release on the same day? While Tusshar Kapoor starrer 'C Kkompany' is definitely coming on 22nd August, so is UTV production 'Mumbai Meri Jaan' (Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Madhavan, Paresh Rawal).

Moreover, even 'Maan Gaye Mughall-E-Azam' (Rahul Bose, Mallika Sherawat, Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon) and 'Chamku' (Bobby Deol, Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Danny Denzongpa) are eyeing the same day release.

Isn't it going to be too much of a competition while being fully aware that multiple releases would eat into each other's business?

"Well, to each his own. In any case why should you be worried?

Look at the brighter side; as a media person you would now be getting an opportunity to criticize five movies on the same day", winks Ramu who has never been known to take reviews seriously, whether positive or negative! -Joginder Tuteja