Tigmanshu Dhulia says Bollywood stops filmmakers from making good art: ‘People who greenlight projects have zero vision’

Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia has taken a dim view of the promotion of creativity in Hindi cinema.

Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia has said that every film is a struggle for artistes these days, adding that those in the Hindi film industry who greenlight projects have "zero vision" and stop storytellers from exploring good work on screen.

Tigmanshu Dhulia questions formula

Tigmanshu Dhulia has spoken about the death of creativity in Hindi cinema. (Photo: Kartikeya Chaturvedi)

The acclaimed director, known for films such as Haasil, Paan Singh Tomar, and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster questioned the industry obsession with formula films despite its inconsistent results. In an interview with PTI, the filmmaker said, “Every film is a struggle. If you want to say a story in a different way, this industry stops us from making good art. The people who greenlit projects here have zero vision. So, you are cursed.”

The filmmaker blamed producers and those greenlighting projects in the Hindi film industry, saying they are stifling creativity, despite formula not working. “If you are making films in India, you will always be stopped from doing good work. You won't be allowed to do it. What's their ratio (producers)? They have a higher ratio of flops. Despite following the rule, they are still failing,” Tigmanshu added.

Tigmanshu Dhulia on Ghamasaan

The filmmaker reiterated that Ghamasaan is not an ‘unconventional’ film. “It is a commercial film. They don't understand whether it is a commercial film or not. It is a simple name 'Ghamasaan'. There are gun and bullets. It is a simple story. The story is conventional,” the 59-year-old added.

Tigmanshu Dhulia's work

Ghamasaan, Tigmanshu's latest film, is streaming on ZEE5. The gangster drama stars Rajpal Yadav alongside Arshad Warsi and Pratik Gandhi. The filmmaker is now working on a movie adaptation of Hindi writer Uday Prakash's short story, Dilli Ki Deewar. It is called Wo Phir Kabhi Dikha Nahin. Details of the plot have been kept under wraps, but sources indicate that the story is set against the backdrop of a slum in Delhi. Shooting has reportedly already been completed. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role, and is expected to release later this year.