Hansal Mehta on Bollywood’s future: “Hindi cinema needs a reset—invest in actors, not just stars!

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri recently claimed Hindi cinema is declining due to a lack of good newcomers. Hansal Mehta disagreed and praised emerging talent.

On Monday, Mehta shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter). He argued that Bollywood isn’t dying but needs a reset. He urged the industry to invest in actors, not just stars.

“Hindi Cinema Needs a Reset. Those predicting doom for Bollywood should pause. The industry isn’t dying; it’s waiting for disruption. The real problem is not audience disinterest but excessive investment in safe, recycled formulas. Future success lies in raw talent, bold storytelling, and directors who create magic with strong scripts. Recent years prove stars don’t guarantee audiences—conviction does.”

Mehta criticized paid publicity and its negative impact on the industry. He emphasized the need for producers with vision and platforms that prioritize strong stories over numbers. “New actors, filmmakers, and writers are ready to change the game. But they need financial discipline, smart marketing, and faith in authenticity, not familiarity. Paid publicity is enriching publicists but draining the industry.”

Mehta also praised young Bollywood actors. He called Aadarsh Gourav a “shape-shifter” and “built for the long run.” He described Vedang Raina as a “screen-stealer” for his performance in Jigra. Other actors he mentioned include Raghav Juyal, Ishaan Khatter, Zahan Kapoor, Sparsh Shrivastava, Aditya Rawal, Abhay Verma, and Lakshya.

He urged producers to focus on long-term growth rather than weekend box office figures. He encouraged platforms to support talent instead of algorithms. He asked directors to cast actors based on skill and depth, not just familiarity.

“Audiences crave authentic performances. Hindi cinema doesn’t need saving—it needs a shift in priorities. The formula is simple: invest in actors, not ‘stars.’ Write fearlessly. Direct with conviction,” Mehta wrote.

Mehta is currently working on Gandhi, a historical drama series produced by Applause Entertainment. Based on Ramachandra Guha’s books, the show chronicles Mahatma Gandhi’s life. Pratik Gandhi stars in the lead role. Filming began in January last year, and the first season is set to release soon.