Key Points

Renowned filmmaker Neeraj Pandey offers candid insights into Bollywood's dynamic film landscape. He challenges the notion that newcomers struggle to deliver hits, citing the unexpected success of "Saiyaara". Pandey emphasizes that storytelling quality matters more than industry trends or star power. His perspective highlights the unpredictable and ever-evolving nature of the Indian film industry.

Key Points: Neeraj Pandey Reveals Truth About New Faces in Bollywood

  • Saiyaara's success challenges perception about newcomers
  • Bollywood follows trend-chasing business model
  • Good storytelling trumps industry patterns
  • Filmmaking requires strategic script and logistics planning
2 min read

Neeraj Pandey shares his thoughts on whether new faces can still deliver major hits in Hindi cinema

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey breaks down the myth of newcomers' success and unpredictability of Bollywood's film industry trends

"A good story will cut through at any given point in time - Neeraj Pandey"

Mumbai, Aug 7

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey reflected on the massive success of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda starrer "Saiyaara" and the resultant increased demand for new faces in the industry.

During an exclusive interaction with IANS, the director was asked, "In recent years, a perception had emerged that newcomers in the industry were struggling to deliver major hits. However, the unexpected success of Saiyaar has defied that notion, proving that fresh talent can still make a significant impact."

Reacting to this, Neeraj shared that the people who say such things do not know anything about the business. He added that this is the most unpredictable business with no set pattern.

"With the prevalent follow-the-crowd mentality, now everyone will start looking for a love story, and everyone will start looking at new faces. By the time many end up losing their money chasing this, there will be a new trend in the business," he said.

The filmmaker also pointed out that when "Stree" worked, people started chasing horror comedies, and now that "Saiyaara" has worked, everyone will start looking for a love story.

However, Neeraj added that it doesn't work that way. "A good story will cut through at any given point in time, and a well-made film more often than not will cut through at any given point in time," he concluded.

In addition to this, Neeraj also opened up about the challenges they faced while shooting his latest release, "Special Ops 2".

The director stated that while the diverse settings added visual richness to the series, they also turned the production into a logistical nightmare as it required massive planning and coordination.

He revealed that this movement was built into the script from the start.

"Actually, if you follow the story, then you will get to understand that because Dr. Bhargav, who is being kidnapped, is being taken from one place to another. So, organically, it was in the script in the same way. But, shooting at so many places, it's a logistical nightmare," Neeraj disclosed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone working in the film industry, I completely agree with his views. Producers lose crores chasing trends. We need more original content like Special Ops rather than copy-paste formulas. Newcomers can shine if given good scripts - look at what happened with "Article 15"!
R
Rohit P
But let's be honest - star power still matters in Bollywood. How many newcomers actually sustain after one hit? Most disappear. The industry needs to support fresh talent beyond one-film wonders. Neeraj sir makes good points but the system needs to change.
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Sarah B
Interesting perspective! In Hollywood too we see this trend-chasing behavior. But Indian cinema has such unique stories to tell - why not focus on that instead of copying what worked last month? The logistical challenges he mentions for Special Ops 2 sound intense! Respect for filmmakers who take such risks.
K
Kavya N
True that! But let's not forget most newcomers are star kids getting easy chances. Where are opportunities for outsiders? "Saiyaara" had industry connections too. We need more casting based on talent than connections. 🙏
M
Michael C
As an NRI who watches both Bollywood and Hollywood, I find Neeraj Pandey's films have that perfect balance of Indian storytelling with international production quality. More filmmakers should focus on substance over star power. Special Ops series proves this!

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