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Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate about the struggles of the Hindi film industry. In a long post on X (formerly Twitter), Hansal stated that while he refuses to believe Bollywood is doomed, he acknowledges that the industry needs a disruption and that “Hindi Cinema Needs a Reset.” Along with his advice to filmmakers, Hansal also highlighted a list of actors from the current generation whose potential remains untapped.
In the post, the Shahid director admitted that the industry has no shortage of talent, but investments are being made “into the safe, the recycled, the formulaic” space. He provided a list of nine actors and described how they have already proved their mettle in acting through their past projects. These actors include Adarsh Gourav, Vedang Raina, Ishaan Khatter, Zahan Kapoor, Aditya Rawal, Sparsh Shrivastava, Abhay Verma, Lakshya, and Raghav Juyal.
Hansal Mehta called Adarsh “The Shape-Shifter” and praised him for seamlessly transitioning from one role to another. He wrote, “From The White Tiger (BAFTA-nominated) to Guns & Gulaabs to Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan to the lovely Superboys of Malegaon, Adarsh is an actor who disappears into roles. He’s not a star; he’s a chameleon. Hollywood is already betting on him (Alien TV series). Bollywood needs to wake up and match that faith. This guy is a lambi race ka ghoda. Mark my words.”
Similarly, Hansal lauded Vedang’s performance in Alia Bhatt’s Jigra and wrote, “He showed presence that felt effortless, assured, and natural.” Hansal called Ishaan “The Untapped Dynamo” and noted that the actor’s instincts are sharp. “He needs scripts and directors who push him—not just projects that play it safe,” he wrote.
Shashi Kapoor’s grandson Zahan Kapoor has been the talk of the town ever since he appeared in the web show Black Warrant, and Hansal Mehta did not overlook him. Praising him, he wrote, “Then came Black Warrant, which cemented him as a name to watch. He has depth, sincerity, and a hunger to go beyond the obvious.”
Laapataa Ladies fame Sparsh Shrivastava also received praise from Hansal for being relatable, and he urged filmmakers to give him projects that showcase his range. He wrote, “The industry keeps talking about ‘relatable actors.’ Sparsh is already that. He needs projects that match his range.”
https://twitter.com/mehtahansal/status/1899136631296413910
Similarly, the filmmaker lauded Munjya’s Abhay Verma as “The Wildcard” for having a lead actor’s energy, Lakshya for having the potential to be “Hindi cinema’s next great action disruptor,” and Raghav Juyal for his surprising negative portrayal in Kill and for going beyond being a dancer and a comic.
Hansal Mehta concluded his post by offering suggestions to producers, streaming platforms, and directors. “What’s the missing piece? Faith. Investment. Patience,” he wrote. The filmmaker urged producers to “stop chasing weekend box office numbers and start building talent.” He called on platforms to “start backing actors, not algorithms” and advised directors to cast actors for the role, not for their familiarity. “The formula is simple: invest in actors, not ‘stars.’ Write without fear. Direct with conviction,” he ended his post.
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