Although he started his journey in movies and Malayalam cinema in the 80s, it was a series of Hindi songs that did. Priyadarshan is a popular name across the country. From Hera Pheri and Garam Masala to Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan was successful in Bollywood in the first decade of the 21st century. But after 2013, he bid adieu to Hindi films to focus on Malayalam cinema again. Bhooth Bangla, his upcoming film, marks the filmmaker’s comeback to Hindi films. Ahead of the film’s release, the veteran filmmaker sat down with Hindustan Times to discuss his journey so far, his return to Hindi cinema, and more.
Bhooth Bangla not only marks Priyadarshan’s return to Hindi films, but also his reunion with frequent collaborators Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and the late Asrani. Remembering the days of the film, the filmmaker says, “It was a very scary game, when we met after a long time. But when I shot the first film, it didn’t feel like 14 years; it felt like only six months had passed. I have personal relationships with all of them.
‘No new experiments in Bollywood’
Between 2013 and 2026, Priyadarshan made only one Hindi film, Hungama 2, which was shot and released during the COVID-19 pandemic. Society and industry have undergone a major change. But Priyadarshan feels that it is not enough to become Hindi cinema. He explains. “There is a new generation coming up with their own films across India. Where I find Malayalam films doing their best is that they may not have budgets, but focus on content.”
He blames Hindi cinema for saying that the industry has been prioritizing stars over storytelling. “I don’t see new experiments in Bollywood. I think that the actors are the ones who rule here. The creators don’t have the freedom to create, that’s what I hear,” says the filmmaker, while making it clear that this is what he saw and there is no “expert opinion” as others might think.
But he has one word of advice, or rather a line of advice for Bollywood. “They should know that content is more important than beauty,” he stresses.
In a career spanning four decades, Priyadarshan has directed 97 films. He recently announced his 100th project, which will star Mohanlal, the hero of his first film. 100 films in four decades is the definition of proliferation. He recalls making seven films in one year in 1986. Why the rush, we ask. He laughs and says, “When I first started making films, I was impatient. Everything I wanted to say, I wanted to do quickly. I thought I needed to express all my thoughts quickly. After a few cheats, I understood that I had to go a little slower.” The ‘minimum delay’ for him was ‘2-3 films a year’, he admits, a pace he maintained during his acting career in Hindi films.
‘I feel like I could have done better’
His unique career has yielded several gems and masterpieces. The filmmaker calls Kanchivaram, Kaalapani, and Chithram his best works. But while most of his work is praised, he feels it could be better. Priyadarshan explains, “I don’t watch my movies anymore. But when I look back at any of my TV movies, I feel like I could have done better. It’s because I’m learning more. Filmmaking is a learning process. There are wonderful directors I admire among my contemporaries. Today, nowhere, though I feel like they’re better directors than when they started. Analogue, and today we’re in the age of electronic and digital, I think they didn’t adapt to that.
Bhooth Bangla is gearing up for release in April, and the 69-year-old admits he is nervous. He says: “Before every film is released, two days of stress and anxiety have passed. The filmmaker says that his feelings before the release today are very similar to how he was 40 years ago. He says: “Right from my first film, I feel anxious about every film.
#Priyadarshan #actors #control #Bollywood #news #Artists #creative #freedom #Unique