Anubhav Sinha reflects on Hindi film industry’s tendency to spoil the recipe with too many ingredients
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, the talented director behind hits like Mulk, Thappad, and Bheed, is sparking a lively debate about the Bollywood film industry. In a recent Instagram video, he shared his thoughts on how movies stack up against everyday choices like food and books, urging fans to rethink what they expect from Hindi cinema.
Anubhav kicked off by comparing film viewing to picking dinner with friends or family. "When we plan to eat out, everyone chimes in—’Let’s go for Punjabi food!’ or ‘Nah, Mughlai sounds better.’ Maybe we skip the spicy stuff and opt for something plain like Italian," he said in the video. "Once we choose, we don’t miss the other options. If it’s less spicy, that’s what we get—no complaints because it’s our pick."
He extended this idea to literature, explaining, "It’s the same with books. If you choose to read poems by Dinkar, you’ll dive into his world. You won’t find Shakespeare there. So why do we demand everything in one Hindi film? Like a perfect curry loaded with every spice, all blending just right."
Anubhav pointed out how audiences often pick films based on mood. "Sometimes, you just want laughs—no deep thinking. Or maybe it’s a star-studded blockbuster where the hero struts in slow motion, doing fun stuff outside the plot. You love it because it’s your favorite star," he added with a smile.
But he questioned the pressure on Bollywood movies to pack in songs, humor, drama, and high energy. "What about films that tackle society, spark discussions, or even criticize what we’re doing wrong? These aren’t always entertaining in the usual way—they might feel like that ‘less spicy’ meal. They can annoy you, raise tough questions about life and our actions, and hold up a mirror we don’t always like looking into."
Anubhav wrapped up by asking his followers directly: "Are we ready for films without the usual fun, but full of real talk and debate? Or is this all a misconception? I don’t have the answers—tell me what you think!"
This candid take from the Bollywood director has already got fans buzzing on social media, highlighting the ongoing conversation about diverse storytelling in Indian cinema. If you’re into Hindi films or Bollywood trends, what’s your view on balancing entertainment with meaningful messages?
