Priyadarshan Declares Shift from Comedy to Serious Filmmaking
Renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan, celebrated for a prolific career spanning decades, has long been synonymous with uproarious comedies that have etched themselves into the hearts of audiences. However, in a candid recent interview, the director confessed a significant change in his creative preferences, now leaning towards serious cinema over the comedic genre that made him a household name.
"I Am Finished with Comedy": Priyadarshan's Frank Admission
In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan stated bluntly, "Frankly speaking, I like to make serious films now. I don’t like making comedies anymore; I am forced to now. I think I have run out of ideas. I am finished. I don’t want to repeat what I did in the past. I will make one more comedy film, and I am done." This revelation marks a pivotal turn for the director behind iconic hits like 'Hera Pheri', highlighting his desire to explore new narrative territories despite public association with laughter.
OTT Platforms Revive Theatrical Flops: 'Dhol' and 'Khatta Meetha'
Reflecting on his filmography, Priyadarshan expressed particular fondness for two movies that underperformed in theatres: 'Dhol' and 'Khatta Meetha'. He noted that their resurgence on streaming platforms has provided solace. "I loved both these films, but they didn’t work in theatres. But thanks to OTT, people are finally enjoying these films now," he said. Specifically, 'Dhol' has gained a cult following, with anecdotes like cricketer Virat Kohli reportedly watching it to relax before matches, though Kohli hasn't publicly confirmed this.
Priyadarshan's connection to Kohli extends beyond film, as he directed an advertisement for the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore featuring Kohli, Chris Gayle, and Shane Watson. Impressed by Kohli's performance, the director even suggested the cricketer could venture into acting.
Bollywood's Star-Centric Bias and Cult Success
Discussing 'Dhol's' initial commercial struggle, Priyadarshan criticized Bollywood's tendency to overlook projects without major stars during release. In an interview with Mashable India, he remarked, "Something I hate about Bollywood films is that, at least during that period, when you are trying something without a big star, it won’t get the appreciation it should. It’s only later that they would. That disappoints you. Dhol is now a cult movie." Conversely, he cited 'Malamaal Weekly' as an exception, achieving box office success despite lacking big-name actors.
The Art of Comic Timing and Actor Collaborations
Priyadarshan emphasized the importance of comic timing in his work, explaining his frequent collaborations with actors like Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav. "Akshay Kumar has a certain body language that I understand. The same can be said about Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav as well. I really like the way they perform. They give exactly what I expect," he said. He noted that humor relies heavily on timing, praising Govinda and Shah Rukh Khan for their skills, and added that finding actors with such timing is rare, making these partnerships crucial.
He also lauded Akshaye Khanna for his versatility, highlighting his performances in comedies like 'Hulchul' and 'Hungama'. "He did a fantastic job... I think both the Akshays bring me luck," Priyadarshan concluded, underscoring the collaborative dynamics that have defined his comedic legacy.
