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Mumbai, April 2 : As the Indian film industry gears up for the theatrical release of Sunny Deol’s action-packed film Jaat on April 10, the veteran actor has sparked a nationwide debate with his candid critique of Bollywood’s current creative climate. In a rare and bold interview with trade analyst Komal Nahta, Deol opened up about what he sees as the industry’s glaring lack of passion, original storytelling, and creative integrity.
His words—direct, emotional, and laced with experience—come at a time when Bollywood is at a crossroads, grappling with underwhelming box office performances, a growing dependence on Southern remakes, and audience fatigue with formulaic storytelling. Sunny Deol’s sharp analysis serves as both a warning and a wake-up call.
A Veteran’s Voice in a Noisy Industry
Sunny Deol, known for iconic performances in films like Ghayal, Gadar, and Border, remains a towering figure in Indian cinema. Now in his 60s, the actor is not only reinventing himself with action-centric roles but also offering valuable insights drawn from decades in the business.
In his interview, Deol revealed a deeply personal view of Bollywood’s decline: “The passion that we possessed in our industry is somewhat lacking now. The Southern industry learned from our films and have now overtaken us. That is why we are remaking their films.”
This statement isn’t just a jab—it’s a statement on leadership failure in Bollywood’s creative ecosystem. His comments echoed with fans and filmmakers who have long lamented the industry’s reluctance to take risks.
1. The South Indian Cinema Supremacy
Deol’s remarks were especially significant in the context of South Indian cinema’s meteoric rise. From Baahubali and Pushpa to Kantara and RRR, regional industries have delivered consistent pan-India hits while preserving cultural nuance and investing in storytelling.
Sunny emphasized that these industries learned from Hindi cinema’s golden age but have now far surpassed it in execution and innovation. He stated, “We’re now following their lead because they’ve stayed true to passion and originality.”
By contrast, Bollywood’s increasing reliance on remaking South Indian hits—Kabir Singh, Jersey, Drishyam, Vikram Vedha—is, in Deol’s eyes, a sign of creative stagnation.
2. Too Many Cooks, Not Enough Visionaries
One of the most hard-hitting portions of the interview was Deol’s criticism of excessive interference on film sets.
“We think we know everything. Everyone who has a monitor in front of them gives their opinion, and that leads to mistakes,” Deol said.
The actor likened today’s filmmaking process to a chaotic kitchen: “too many cooks spoil the broth.” He emphasized that the director must retain full creative authority and that storytelling should be prioritized over egos and external validation.
This is a stark contrast from the days when directors like Yash Chopra, Ramesh Sippy, and Subhash Ghai had clear, undiluted visions—trusted by both cast and crew.
3. Bollywood’s Lost Immersion
According to Sunny, one of Bollywood’s biggest failures is its inability to create emotionally immersive experiences that linger with the viewer.
“Audiences don’t want just spectacle. They want to feel something. They want stories that live with them long after the end credits roll,” he noted.
He highlighted how in the past, films were written with depth, layered character arcs, and emotional truth—qualities largely missing in many of today’s commercial films. The modern focus, he suggested, has shifted toward algorithmic filmmaking, box office numbers, and trend-chasing.
4. Sunny’s Massy Return with Jaat
As he critiques Bollywood’s shortcomings, Sunny Deol is simultaneously gearing up for the release of Jaat—a high-octane action entertainer produced by Mythri Movie Makers.
The film promises to deliver adrenaline, emotion, and spectacle, with Deol leading a power-packed ensemble that includes Randeep Hooda, Saiyami Kher, Regina Cassandra, Ramya Krishnan, Viineet Kumar Singh, and Babloo Prithiveeraj.
The trailer, released recently, quickly went viral across social platforms, introducing viewers to “Ranatunga ki Lanka,” a lawless empire ruled by Randeep Hooda’s enigmatic character. Sunny Deol’s entry as a force that disrupts this reign has fans buzzing.
The makers have labeled the film as “The Atom Bomb of Action”, teasing intense confrontations, stylized set pieces, and emotionally charged drama.
5. Reunion with Rajkumar Santoshi in Lahore 1947
Aside from Jaat, Deol also spoke about his much-anticipated reunion with director Rajkumar Santoshi for the historical drama Lahore 1947. Their previous collaborations—Ghayal, Damini, and Ghatak—are now considered cult classics.
Sunny expressed optimism that the upcoming film will rekindle the magic of their earlier work, especially given how streaming platforms have revived interest in those titles.
“Those films have aged well because they had soul. They had something to say. Lahore 1947 will continue that legacy,” he asserted.
6. Creative Conviction Is Missing Today
Another significant point Sunny Deol raised was the lack of conviction among today’s actors, producers, and directors. He feels that many are too focused on image, marketing, and “playing safe.”
“There was a time when we believed in what we did, even if it went against the grain. Now, everyone’s looking over their shoulder, afraid to stand out.”
This cultural shift, according to Deol, is diminishing Bollywood’s unique voice, replacing passion with conformity.
7. The Path Forward: Restore the Storyteller’s Seat
Deol’s message, ultimately, was one of hope and course correction. He believes that Bollywood can return to its former glory if it centers the story again, empowers directors, and allows conviction to lead creativity.
With films like Jaat and Lahore 1947, Sunny is walking the talk—putting storytelling, risk, and mass engagement back at the center of his work.
As Jaat gears up for its April 10 theatrical release, Sunny Deol’s outspoken interview is making just as many waves as the film itself. In a time when Bollywood is grappling with its identity, Deol’s critique lands like a thunderclap—not bitter, but brutally honest.
By calling out Bollywood’s remake syndrome, creative dilution, and lack of passion, Sunny is doing more than promoting a film—he’s defending an art form he believes in. His voice, backed by decades of experience, could be the push Bollywood needs to pause, reflect, and redirect its journey.
In a world saturated with noise, Sunny Deol is offering something rare: clarity, conviction, and a call for purpose in Indian cinema.
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