Hansal Mehta Criticizes Bollywood’s Safe Formulas, Calls for Change:

India's bustling film industry Bollywood is curried by filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who greatly disputed one of his most recent posts on social media which demanded a free reset for the industry. In this case, Mehta strongly believes that Bollywood is not dying, as many assume, but is instead stuck lazing around in an old cycle of recycling all of the old formulas, playing it safe, and betting on grand names, instead of fresh and promising talent along with audacious storytellers.

To back up his argument, Mehta pointed out that the actual problem within Hindi cinema is not a disinterest in the audience, but rather a complete and utter non-existence of take any major risks, primarily from the producers point of view. He claimed that the industry still chooses to invest in the familiar instead of attempting to venture into new unexplored territories full of new narratives and untapped talents. He, however, remains adamant that whatever the future might hold for Bollywood, it is his belief that actors, filmmakers, and writers who are willing and the most be a bit more out of the box will be those paving the way.

More than mere stars is what Bollywood needs

Mehta oversized incredibly elucidating for him to transform his firm claims stating that Hindi cinema needs more than big star producers who can invest incredible amounts and perform magic at the box office, instead having unfathomable belief in storytelling. He took a further step forward, placing emphasis that the Indian cinema needs risk taking producers, over statistics bending streaming platforms, and most importantly authentic directors. Josh of drama and over action leads a criticism by Mehta on the current brand promotion where he nonchalantly described it as an incredible profit making machine for publicists instead of a genuine marketing technique.

In order to substantiate his claim, Mehta provided a list of younger actors that, in his opinion, will form the future of Bollywood.

Mehta commended Adarsh Gourav, characterizing him as a shape-shifter for how he seamlessly integrates into his roles. He mentioned Gourav’s role in The White Tiger, Guns & Gulaabs, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan while further adding that Hollywood is already recognizing his skills through a role in Alien TV series.

As for Jigra actor Vedang Raina, Mehta remarked that he was a ‘screen stealer’ with an easy charm who could easily become a leading man if adequate scripts were offered to him.

Mehta described Ishaan Khatter as ‘an unexploited dynamo’ and remarked on his energy and quick wit being effortlessly sharp. Mehta spoke of his performances in Dhadak, Beyond the Clouds, A Suitable Boy, and Pippa, but pointed out that he needs to be offered directors and not compassion projects to allow him to showcase his talents.

Also, Mehta noted Zahan Kapoor who, in Mehta's opinion, did remarkable work in Faraaz and Black Warrant. Mehta said that he is a name to look out for because of his depth and sincerity. He went on to describe Aditya Rawal as a ‘disruptor’ stating that he has already shown his range with roles in Bamfaad, Faraaz, and Bambai Meri Jaan.

Additional acclaimed young performers in the field

Sparsh Shrivastava, who is well-known for his roles in Jamtara and Laapataa Ladies, was acclaimed for his talent in portraying believable real-life characters. Mehta referred to him as a “silent revolution” in Bollywood.

Abhay Verma, who received fame recently in Munjya, was considered to be a “wildcard” who had the capacity to blend the crowd-pleasing and credible acting in his remarkable performances in The Family Man 2 and Safed.

Mehta believes that Lakshya, who made a notable mark with Kill, has also been amazing in the intensity and drive with which he approaches difficult roles. He suggests that if properly harnessed, he could be the next big action star in Bollywood.

To everyones loss, Raghav Juyal, popularly known as a dancer and comedian, chilled me when he appeared in Kill. As Mehta describes, he is an “unpredictable wildcard” who, the less he is boxed, the more he has the potential to amaze.

The complete context

Mehta’s post comes shortly after film maker Vivek Agnihotri made the remark, “Bollywood is in shambles.” Mehta certainly did not mention how Agnihotri, but what did seem like his rebuttal statement also said, there is no such thing as decaying, it just needs real focusses.