Priyadarshan Opens Up About Comedy Image
News Desk
Mumbai: Renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan has spoken candidly about his enduring association with comedy, admitting that the genre that brought him widespread recognition is not the type of cinema he particularly enjoys directing.
Over the course of his career, Priyadarshan has tackled a variety of themes and genres. However, movies including ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ and ‘Garam Masala’ cemented his reputation as one of Bollywood’s leading comedy directors, with several of his films continuing to remain popular with audiences.
Despite the success, Priyadarshan said the comedy label eventually became difficult to move beyond.
Speaking to ‘Hindustan Times’, the director recalled that his early filmmaking career was largely centred on serious subjects. He said the success of ‘Hera Pheri’ significantly altered the course of his career and led to a prolonged association with comedy.
“After that, only comedy, comedy and comedy remained,” Priyadarshan said, while acknowledging that comedy is not a genre he enjoys directing.
He also described his philosophy behind creating humour on screen, saying he does not favour manufactured jokes or exaggerated performances designed solely to make viewers laugh.
Instead, Priyadarshan said he prefers comedy to emerge naturally from the circumstances in which his characters find themselves.
The filmmaker explained that his characters are usually presented as genuine and serious individuals, while the unexpected situations they encounter generate humour. He said he does not want actors to depend on exaggerated facial expressions or deliberately comic behaviour to entertain the audience.
His Hindi-film career illustrates the extent of his association with the genre. In 21 years, Priyadarshan has directed 20 Hindi-language films, with 16 of them falling into the comedy category.
Now, however, the filmmaker is preparing to explore a darker cinematic territory.
His upcoming movie ‘Hayawan’ is a psychological thriller and represents a return to more serious storytelling. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 11.
The project stars Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar in key roles. Khan is reportedly playing a blind character, while Kumar portrays a killer. Boman Irani, Shreya Pilgaonkar, Saiyami Kher and Rajpal Yadav are also part of the cast.
Veteran Malayalam star Mohanlal is expected to make a cameo, while the film is also set to become legendary actor Asrani’s final appearance on the big screen.
Through ‘Hayawan’, Priyadarshan appears ready to broaden his cinematic identity and move beyond the comedy image that has defined much of his Bollywood career. Input from foreign media.
