Mozez Singh on Filmmaking, Creative Evolution and Staying Authentic: ‘It Took Me 7 Years to Make My First Film’

Filmmaker Mozez Singh, best known for films like Zubaan and Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, has built his career on a deep-rooted passion for cinema and storytelling. In a candid conversation, Singh reflects on his journey as a director, the creative struggles that shaped him, and how he continues to stay true to his artistic voice in an ever-changing industry.

From a young age, Singh says he was completely immersed in the world of films. Whether it was understanding the technicalities of filmmaking, observing how songs or action sequences were shot, or even following behind-the-scenes anecdotes, everything about cinema fascinated him. More than anything, it was the power of storytelling—enhanced by the scale and spectacle of films—that drew him toward becoming a director.

Over the years, Singh believes his creative vision has evolved significantly. While his earlier work focused on intimate, personal narratives, he now finds himself gravitating towards larger, more ambitious stories that explore action, adventure and scale. Despite this shift, one element remains constant in his work: a focus on the human experience. He aims to explore emotions and identity through different cinematic forms, be it music, dance, action or fantasy.

Addressing the impact of social media and instant audience feedback, Singh feels that while digital platforms have changed how success is measured, an honest filmmaker must still trust their instincts. According to him, authenticity matters more than chasing validation from anonymous online opinions.

Recalling the most challenging phase of his career, Singh points to the making of his debut film Zubaan. It took him seven years to get the project off the ground, a process he describes as extremely difficult yet deeply transformative. Despite the struggle, he considers completing and releasing the film in theatres a major personal achievement and credits the experience for teaching him invaluable lessons about perseverance and filmmaking.

On the state of Indian cinema, Singh acknowledges that the industry has become more receptive to nuanced and non-formulaic storytelling. However, he admits that resistance still exists. For him, the real challenge lies in striking a balance—creating films that are both artistically rich and commercially successful.