Hansal Mehta calls for a reset in Hindi Cinema, urges investment in raw talent

Acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta has sparked a crucial conversation about the state of Hindi cinema, emphasizing the need for a reset in priorities.

In a candid post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mehta stressed that Bollywood is not in decline but rather waiting to be disrupted.

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Hansal Mehta’s Perspective on Hindi Cinema

Mehta, known for his hard-hitting and socially relevant films such as Shahid (2013), Aligarh (2016), Omerta (2018), and the widely acclaimed web series Scam 1992 (2020), pointed out that the industry's struggles stem from its excessive reliance on formulaic storytelling and overhyped star power. According to him, the solution lies in investing in fresh talent, bold narratives, and visionary directors who can bring authenticity to the screen.

“For those predicting doom for Bollywood —pause. The industry isn’t dying. It’s waiting to be disrupted. The problem isn’t the audience losing interest. It’s that investment is being funneled into the safe, the recycled, the formulaic,” Mehta wrote.

Investing in Talent Over Star Power

He argued that the era where star power alone could guarantee box office success is fading. Instead, conviction in storytelling and the nurturing of new actors, directors, and writers will pave the way forward. Mehta urged producers to prioritize vision over quick financial returns and platforms to move beyond algorithms and invest in actors who bring depth to their roles.

Emerging Actors Who Deserve Recognition

As part of his appeal, Mehta highlighted a list of promising young male actors who he believes have the potential to reshape the industry:

Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger, Guns & Gulaabs) – A versatile performer gaining international recognition.

Vedang Raina (The Archies, Jigra) – An emerging talent with a natural screen presence.

Ishaan Khatter (Dhadak, Beyond the Clouds, Pippa) – A dynamic actor with untapped potential.

Zahan Kapoor (Faraaz, Black Warrant) – A newcomer displaying remarkable depth.

Aditya Rawal (Bamfaad, Faraaz, Bambai Meri Jaan) – An actor focused on craft rather than stardom.

Sparsh Shrivastava (Jamtara, Laapataa Ladies) – A “relatable” actor who makes characters feel real.

Abhay Verma (Munjya, The Family Man 2) – A wildcard talent with mass appeal.

Lakshya (Kill) – A high-intensity performer with action-star potential.

Raghav Juyal (Kill) – A multi-talented artist proving his mettle in serious roles.

Industry Response and the Road Ahead

While Mehta’s post has received largely positive responses, many from the industry have engaged with it privately rather than publicly—an indication of the deep-seated resistance to change. He noted that any conversation about investing in talent over established stars tends to trigger debates about nepotism, box office figures, and the illusion of “mass content.”

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Mehta concluded his statement by urging Hindi cinema to focus on craft over commerce, substance over spectacle, and to place faith in actors who can bring authenticity to the screen. He argued that for Hindi cinema to truly evolve, the industry must shift its priorities and invest in long-term talent development rather than chasing short-term box office gains.