In a candid critique of the current state of Hindi cinema, acclaimed actor Tisca Chopra has stated that Bollywood is operating from a place of fear, leading to repetitive storytelling and a failure to nurture its creative core: the writers. Her comments come amidst the monumental box office success of the recently released film 'Dhurandhar', which has reignited debates about originality and risk-taking in the industry.
The Core Problem: Neglecting the Writers
Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Tisca Chopra presented a powerful analogy for the industry's ailment. "The problem is that we are watering the fruits and not the roots, which is writing," she remarked. She elaborated that the work has become "extremely shallow" due to a systemic failure to invest in and empower writers.
Chopra clarified that her critique isn't against commercial or comedy genres but emphasizes that quality in any genre stems from strong writing. "You need to give time to your writers and freedom to brainstorm ideas. We don't nourish writers," she asserted, pinpointing a lack of creative freedom as a major bottleneck.
A Culture of Fear and Repetition
The actor did not mince words when describing the prevailing sentiment in the film industry. "We are very afraid. Nobody wants to take a chance. We keep doing the same thing with a little twist," she stated. However, Chopra offered a solution, noting that the audience is ready for change. "The audience is not entertaining it anymore. Whenever you bring something new with conviction, people accept it," she added, suggesting that the market rewards bravery.
'Dhurandhar': A Case Study in Bold Filmmaking
While Tisca Chopra did not directly name the film, her observations align perfectly with the discourse surrounding Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar'. The film, despite divided opinions on its political stance, has been widely praised for its craft and has become a colossal commercial success.
The film has earned over ₹1140 crore at the global box office, proving that audacious vision can resonate massively with viewers. This success has drawn reactions from several industry veterans who applauded its filmmaking.
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra took to X to commend the director's skill, writing, "Aditya Dhar is extremely skilled... The most difficult thing in filmmaking is a director’s ability to make the audience smell the place—and Aditya Dhar... manages to do just that."
Superstar Hrithik Roshan shared a nuanced appreciation, stating, "I love people who climb into a vortex and let the story take control... Dhurandhar is an example of that. I loved the storytelling. It’s cinema." He acknowledged he might disagree with the film's politics but could not ignore its cinematic achievement.
The Way Forward for Bollywood
Tisca Chopra's critique, echoed by the reactions to 'Dhurandhar', highlights a clear crossroads for Bollywood. The conversation underscores a pressing need for the industry to:
- Invest significantly in developing and nurturing writing talent.
- Provide a creative environment where writers and filmmakers can experiment without fear.
- Recognize that audiences are increasingly seeking fresh, conviction-driven narratives over recycled formulas.
The staggering financial triumph of a well-made, bold film like 'Dhurandhar' serves as a potent market indicator. It suggests that the real risk may not lie in trying something new, but in stubbornly clinging to the old. The ball, as Chopra implies, is now in the court of the producers and studios to water the roots for a more fruitful future.
