Hansal Mehta Urges Bollywood To Focus On Raw Talent And Bold Storytelling, Calls For A ‘Reset’

March 11, 2025: Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has added his voice to the ongoing debate about the state of Hindi cinema, responding to claims that Bollywood is in decline. Known for his unconventional and bold storytelling, Mehta argued that while Bollywood isn’t dying, it desperately needs a “reset” to realign its priorities.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mehta wrote, “Hindi cinema needs a reset,” adding, “For those predicting doom for Bollywood—pause. The industry isn’t dying; it’s waiting to be disrupted. The problem isn’t that audiences are losing interest, but that investment is being funneled into the safe, the recycled, the formulaic.” Mehta believes the future of Bollywood lies in taking risks with raw talent, innovative storytelling, and directors who can fully realize their scripts.

Mehta’s statement points to a growing frustration within the industry about Bollywood’s over-reliance on star power and formulaic content. He stressed that recent years have shown that “stars don’t necessarily bring audiences; conviction does.” According to Mehta, the focus should shift towards investing in genuine talent and original ideas rather than relying on established stars and predictable narratives.

The filmmaker also criticized the growing trend of paid publicity in the industry, which he believes is undermining Bollywood’s credibility. He pointed out that paid promotions often inflate the reputations of certain films and celebrities, distorting public perception and negatively affecting the industry’s integrity.

In his post, Mehta highlighted the emerging generation of actors, filmmakers, and writers who he believes are ready to shake things up. He mentioned names like Aadarsh Gourav, whom he described as a “shape-shifter” and “lambi race ka ghoda” (built for the long run), and Vedang Raina, who he praised as a “screen-stealer” for his performance in Jigra. Mehta also recognized the potential of talents like Raghav Juyal, Ishaan Khatter, Zahan Kapoor, Sparsh Shrivastava, Aditya Rawal, Abhay Verma, and Lakshya, acknowledging their ability to reshape Bollywood’s future.

Mehta’s vision for Bollywood goes beyond simply identifying new talent. He emphasized that the industry needs faith, investment, and patience from producers. Instead of prioritizing immediate box office numbers, Mehta urged filmmakers and producers to focus on creating meaningful and impactful work that will stand the test of time.

He also called on digital platforms to shift away from algorithms and instead invest in the authenticity and skill of actors and directors. Mehta stressed that the key to the future of Hindi cinema lies in investing in actors, not stars, and directing films with conviction.

“Hindi cinema doesn’t need saving— it needs a shift in priorities,” he concluded.

Hansal Mehta, known for his consistent commitment to authentic, hard-hitting narratives, continues to champion the cause for meaningful cinema. In addition to his thoughts on Bollywood’s future, Mehta is currently working on a biographical historical drama series titled Gandhi. The series, which stars Pratik Gandhi in the lead role, began production in January last year and is set to premiere later this year.

Mehta’s words serve as a timely reminder that Bollywood’s true potential lies not in recycling old formulas but in embracing innovation, vision, and authentic storytelling that can capture the audience’s imagination. As the industry continues to evolve, the shift towards raw talent and bold storytelling could be the key to a fresh and exciting future for Hindi cinema.