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Last Updated: March 11, 2025, 12:16 IST
Hansal Mehta Advocates for a Reset in Hindi Cinema, Highlighting Emerging Talent
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta recently expressed his perspective on the current climate of Hindi cinema. In light of the ongoing discourse regarding the so-called decline of Bollywood, he argues that the industry is not on the verge of collapse; rather, it requires a fundamental change in approach. Mehta emphasizes the importance of nurturing fresh talent across all facets of filmmaking—from actors to directors and writers. He contends that established stars are not the sole draw for audiences and insists that the focus should shift to discovering and developing promising actors.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “Hindi Cinema Needs a Reset. For those predicting doom for Bollywood—pause. The industry isn’t dying. It’s waiting to be disrupted. The issue is not that audiences are losing interest, but rather that resources are being allocated to safe, formulaic productions.” His vision for the future of Hindi cinema rests on investing in untapped talent and crafting innovative narratives, underscoring that the charisma of a movie star does not guarantee box office success; instead, passion and conviction from filmmakers resonate more deeply with viewers.
However, Mehta acknowledges that realizing this shift will require visionary producers who prioritize storytelling over mere viewer statistics. He calls for a rigorous financial strategy and a more thoughtful approach to marketing, departing from conventional promotional templates that may lack authenticity. As part of his advocacy for new voices in cinema, he highlighted several male actors who represent the future of the industry if given appropriate opportunities. He indicated plans to address emerging female talent in a subsequent post.
Among those he praised was Adarsh Gourav, recognizing him as a standout actor whose versatility could position him for significant roles in Hollywood, citing his involvement in an Alien TV series. He also commended Vedang Raina for his compelling on-screen presence and Ishaan Khatter for his dynamic energy and natural instincts. Zahan Kapoor received accolades for his sincere performances, while Aditya Rawal was noted for his desire to pursue meaningful roles instead of chasing stardom, a quality Mehta believes will contribute to his success.
Additionally, he appreciated Sparsh Shrivastava from Laapataa Ladies for his relatability, while also highlighting Abhay Verma’s broad acting range, Raghav Juyal’s unpredictable charm, and Lakshya’s tenacity in his craft. Concluding his message, Hansal Mehta reaffirmed that Hindi cinema must prioritize new directions. The underlying principle, he believes, is straightforward: invest in actors, eschew the concept of ‘stars’, and create without fear or constraints. Directors should engage with their projects wholeheartedly and authentically.
Source
www.news18.com