02 July,2026 05:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mahesh Bhatt (Picture via X)
Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has confirmed that he has no plans to return to the director's chair, saying today's filmmaking landscape leaves little room for artistic freedom. The director, who helmed several acclaimed films over the decades, believes creative expression has increasingly become secondary to commercially driven formulas.
Bhatt, who directed nearly 50 films before largely stepping away from direction after 1999, made a brief comeback with Sadak 2 in 2020. However, he has now made it clear that the film was an exception and not the beginning of a new chapter in his directing career.
Speaking about his decision, Bhatt said he no longer feels compelled to direct. Instead, he finds greater satisfaction in discussing cinema, producing projects and supporting emerging talent. According to the filmmaker, directing today often requires creators to work within predetermined content strategies rather than following their own artistic instincts.
Explaining his stance to Hindustan Times, Bhatt questioned the growing influence of pre-planned formulas in filmmaking. He said that when content is designed according to fixed templates and commercial expectations, it leaves little space for genuine artistic expression. In such a system, he wondered what role an artist is truly left to play.
Despite his concerns, Bhatt stressed that he remains optimistic about the future of Indian cinema. He pointed to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and his latest film Main Vaapas Aaunga as an example of heartfelt storytelling that breaks away from conventional formulas.
Bhatt praised the film for prioritising emotion and honesty over spectacle, saying such stories prove that audiences continue to crave cinema that reflects real human experiences. He believes there will always be filmmakers willing to challenge established norms and reshape the industry's creative landscape.
The veteran filmmaker also expressed confidence that storytelling will continue to evolve despite increasing pressure from algorithms, streaming platforms and market trends. While many projects are now shaped by data and templates aimed at maximising numbers, Bhatt said truly original storytellers will always emerge to defy conformity.
According to him, every generation produces creators who refuse to fit into predefined moulds, and those voices ultimately redefine cinema. He believes meaningful stories that connect with audiences emotionally will continue to find space, regardless of changing industry dynamics.
Although Bhatt has ruled out directing again, he remains actively involved in the entertainment industry as a producer, writer and mentor. His upcoming projects include producing Naam - To Live Is War, described as a spiritual successor to the 1986 classic Naam, along with presenting the stage play Wo Subah Hum Hi Se Aayegi. Even away from the director's chair, Bhatt says his passion for storytelling remains as strong as ever.
