Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has sparked a major discussion in Bollywood with his latest social media post, calling for a reset in the industry. He firmly believes that Bollywood is not dying but is stuck in a cycle of playing it safe, recycling old formulas, and investing in big names instead of fresh talent and bold storytelling.
In his detailed post, Mehta wrote that the real issue with Hindi cinema is not audience disinterest but a lack of risk-taking from producers. He pointed out that the industry continues to invest in the familiar rather than exploring new narratives and talents. According to him, the future of Bollywood depends on actors, filmmakers, and writers who bring something fresh to the table.
Mehta stated that box office success doesn¡¯t always come from big stars but from conviction in storytelling. He stressed that Hindi cinema needs producers who are willing to take risks, streaming platforms that support stories over statistics, and directors who prioritize authenticity. He also criticized the current marketing system, calling it a money-making machine for publicists rather than a genuine promotional tool.
To support his statement, Mehta listed several young actors he believes represent the future of Bollywood.
Mehta praised Adarsh Gourav, calling him a ¡°shape-shifter¡± who disappears into his roles. He highlighted Gourav¡¯s performances in?The White Tiger,?Guns & Gulaabs, and?Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan, adding that Hollywood has already recognized his talent with an upcoming role in the?Alien?TV series.
For?Jigra?actor Vedang Raina, Mehta said he is a ¡°screen stealer¡± with effortless presence and the potential to become a serious leading man if given the right scripts.
Ishaan Khatter was described as an ¡°untapped dynamo¡± with rare energy and sharp instincts. Mehta mentioned his roles in?Dhadak,?Beyond the Clouds,?A Suitable Boy, and?Pippa, but added that he needs directors who push his abilities rather than projects that play it safe.
Mehta also highlighted Zahan Kapoor, who impressed him in?Faraaz?and?Black Warrant, calling him a name to watch due to his depth and sincerity. Aditya Rawal, he said, is a ¡°disruptor¡± who has proved his versatility in?Bamfaad,?Faraaz, and?Bambai Meri Jaan.
Sparsh Shrivastava, best known for?Jamtara?and?Laapataa Ladies, was praised for his ability to bring relatable, real characters to life. Mehta called him a ¡°silent revolution¡± in Bollywood.
Abhay Verma, who gained attention in?Munjya, was described as a ¡°wildcard¡± with the potential to balance mass appeal and strong acting skills, especially given his performances in?The Family Man 2?and?Safed.
Lakshya, who made a powerful impact with?Kill, was recognized for his intensity and hunger for challenging roles. Mehta believes he could be Bollywood¡¯s next big action star if given the right opportunities.
Raghav Juyal, mostly known as a dancer and comedian, surprised Mehta with his chilling performance in?Kill. The filmmaker called him an ¡°unpredictable wildcard¡± who, if given more space, could continue to surprise audiences.
The bigger picture
Mehta¡¯s post comes shortly after filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri claimed that ¡°Bollywood is in shambles.¡± While Mehta didn¡¯t directly reference Agnihotri, his statement seemed like a counterpoint, emphasizing that the industry isn¡¯t in decline, it just needs a shift in priorities.