British actor Jason Shah, who is gearing up for a pivotal role in the much-awaited Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan' starring Thalapathy Vijay, has made some startling revelations about the Indian film industry. In a recent candid interview, Shah claimed that a vast majority of actors in the country grapple with insecurity and questioned the current trend of hyper-violent cinema.
The Insecurity Epidemic in Indian Cinema
Drawing from his extensive experience across Indian television, web series, and films, Jason Shah offered a blunt assessment. "I would say 90% of actors in India are insecure," he stated in a conversation with News18. He elaborated that this insecurity often manifests on set, affecting the work ethic. The actor pointed a finger not just at the system but also at the performers themselves.
"I wouldn't blame it so much on the directors. I would also put a little bit of the responsibility on the actors," Shah explained. He posed a critical question: "Are actors really coming into work? Or are they bringing their name to the set, 'Oh, it's this person on set,' rather than, 'This is the character that I want to do 100% justice to.'" He identified this shift in priority as a significant weak point in the current acting landscape.
A 'Bloodthirsty' Trend and Lack of Originality
Shah didn't stop at actor psychology. He also critiqued the prevailing thematic trends in Indian cinema, particularly the obsession with graphic on-screen violence. He observed a worrying lack of diversity and originality, with creators often copying each other's successful formulas.
"I definitely think a lot of things in India can be explored more, and I'm hoping that they do. I think everybody just starts copying everybody," he said. Shah traced this 'violent zone' in movies to the massive success of films like 'KGF' and 'RRR', a trend he sees continuing in recent hits like 'Animal' and the upcoming 'Dhurandhar'.
"It's also speaking for this generation, which I can see is quite bloodthirsty. I'm part of it. It pays my bills," Shah remarked pragmatically, acknowledging his own participation in such projects while highlighting the market demand.
Shah's Career Highs and the 'Jana Nayagan' Comeback
Jason Shah's comments come as he prepares for a major career moment. After a 2024 that saw him gain significant recognition for his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'—including a much-discussed intimate scene—and appearances in 'Mission: Chapter 1' and 'Jigra', he had no releases in 2025.
He is now set for a powerful comeback with 'Jana Nayagan', directed by H Vinoth. The film marks Vijay's final cinematic outing before his full-time plunge into politics and is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Shah commended directors like Mohit Suri, whose musical romance 'Saiyaara' was a 2025 hit, for choosing distinctive paths amid the industry's action obsession.
Reflecting on his bold scene in 'Heeramandi', Shah shared that he initially had nerves but trusted Bhansali's vision completely. "I was sure he wouldn't make it look cheap," he said, a risk that ultimately paid off by making the scene a talking point.
Also starring Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Prakash Raj, 'Jana Nayagan' is scheduled for release on Friday, January 9. The film offers Jason Shah a prime platform to showcase his talent to a massive audience, even as he continues to offer his unfiltered perspective on the industry he works in.
