Does it pay to keep your film a closely guarded secret at a time when most filmmakers depend on pre-release trials to build up word of mouth publicity of their films?

"It does especially when you want to ensure a trouble-free release for your film, devoid of all controversy," says Ashwini Chaudhary, whose "Siskiyaan" released this week.

The fact that no person in the trade has been shown the film has proved to be a blessing in disguise, Chaudhury as saying.

"It is an exercise which has paid off immensely otherwise the film's fate would have been sealed by trouble-makers even before it makes its way to the theatres. Let's not forget that the film has a sensitive subject."

Defending himself against criticism from "Dansh" director Kanika Varma that "Siskiyan" has ruined prospects of her film, Chaudhary says though the two are inspired by the same English play "The Death and the Maiden", they are poles apart.