"For the exact figures, you will have to check with (producer) Dinesh Vijan", says the director feigning ignorance about the number game. But when we tell him that the collection till Sunday is Rs 36 crores, he is overwhelmed.

"But from now on it's an acid test since the film has to work on its own two feet. I hope good word of mouth helps", says the down-to-earth director.

Beyond the box-office business, what is the best compliment that he got for Cocktail ? "Yash Chopra called me up. He didn't have my number so he called my wife (Anaita Shroff Adajania) who connected him to me", says Homi.

"He said Cocktail was an absolutely brilliant film, and I couldn't ask for more. I mean a man of his statute appreciating my work is certainly the best compliment anyone can get".

So what matters to him more - box-office success or acclaim? "I still need to understand the critical acclaim algorithm - as in whether I have to go by one critique or by an aggregated system. For me, what matters is how many people enjoy my film".

So did he check the live audience reaction in theatres? "Oh, I went to watch the film in Chandan and Gaeity. It's a different ballgame to watch the film with a live audience man", admits Homi.

"And the response at a multiplex and a single screen is so diverse. It's fascinating to see how the same material gets different reception at the two places.

People at Chandan were enjoying scenes and screaming things like 'get more clothes off'. It's amusing to know how I crafted some scenes and the response that I got for it".

Tell him that the common complaint about Cocktail was that it slackened in the second half and he defends, "I don't take things too seriously. So did the characters in my film, which people loved.

So when the film turns a little serious in the second half and has a switch of tone, people seemed to get restless. However if I didn't do that, there would have been no story left in the film".

Now that Cocktail is released, Homi wants to go on a peaceful vacation. "I want to disappear on some beach where Dinesh Vijan can't find me, though I am sure he will track me down", laughs Homi.

However, beyond the holiday, he says, "We are looking at one big project. Also I am getting offers from other big banners.

Let's figure out. But let me assure you, this time I shall come back with a film much quicker than I did the last time (less)