Dhamaal 4: Indra Kumar on why writing is the hardest part of filmmaking
Synopsis
Indra Kumar's candid admission — that scripting is harder than directing — cuts to the heart of a problem Bollywood rarely discusses openly. As Dhamaal 4 heads to cinemas on 10 July 2026, both the director and Jaaved Jaaferi make the case that without strong writing, even the best actors are left with nothing to work with.
Key Takeaways
Indra Kumar called writing the script the toughest part of filmmaking during Dhamaal 4 promotions in Mumbai .
Jaaved Jaaferi plays the character Manav and says staying within a character's boundaries makes performance more enjoyable, not less.
Jaaferi cited his father's era to highlight how poor source material leaves actors without solutions.
Dhamaal 4 is produced by Ajay Devgn , Bhushan Kumar , and others under T-Series Films and Panorama Studios .
The film releases on 10 July 2026 .
Director Indra Kumar has revealed that putting a story down on paper is the single toughest challenge in filmmaking — a candid admission made during the promotional circuit for his upcoming comedy 'Dhamaal 4', set to release on 10 July 2026. The director was speaking alongside cast members Jaaved Jaaferi and Arshad Warsi at an event in Mumbai.
Indra Kumar on the Writing Process
'It takes too much effort when it comes to writing and setting it up,' Kumar said. 'But once the actors enter the frame, it becomes effortless. They perform it so well that the entirety of production is a smoothsail — but to put the story down on paper is the toughest task in the journey of filmmaking, I feel.'
The remark underscores a widely held but rarely articulated truth in Hindi cinema: that the pre-production writing stage, often invisible to audiences, carries the heaviest burden of a film's eventual success or failure.
Jaaved Jaaferi on Staying Within a Character's Boundaries
Jaaved Jaaferi, who plays the character Manav in the film, was asked whether being too certain about a character could drain the fun out of performing it. He disagreed firmly. 'It's more fun because you are enjoying the character,' he said. 'You are trying to think, while remaining within the parameters of that character. You constantly think, "What more can I add?" without going out of the parameters. The main thing is, you have to stay within the boundaries of the character.'
Jaaferi also stressed the foundational role of writing in unlocking strong performances. 'All the actors understand the limits of the characters that they portray. Rest, the writing is so good that it brings out a good performance naturally. When the writing is not good, the actor has two problems,' he noted.
A Glimpse Into Bollywood's Past
Jaaferi drew on a telling anecdote from his father's era in the industry to illustrate the consequences of weak source material. 'During my father's time, I have seen people saying, "Sir, you do something — I have got the hero for only 2 hours, you do something." But what can we do if the source material isn't given to us?' The observation points to a systemic tension in commercial Hindi cinema between star-driven scheduling and the time required to develop a coherent script.
About Dhamaal 4
'Dhamaal 4' is presented by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series, in association with Devgn Films, and is a T-Series Films, Maruti International, and Panorama Studios production. The film is produced by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Anand Pandit, and Kumar Mangat Pathak. It opens in cinemas on 10 July 2026.
With the franchise's loyal fanbase and a packed ensemble, the fourth instalment arrives as one of the more anticipated comedy releases of the year.
Point of View
Which Dhamaal exemplifies, often prioritises cast assembly and release-date logistics over script development. Jaaferi's anecdote about stars being booked for two hours is a reminder that this tension is structural, not accidental. If Dhamaal 4 works, it will be because the writing held — and Kumar, to his credit, knows that better than most.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Indra Kumar say about filmmaking ahead of Dhamaal 4's release?
Indra Kumar said that putting the story down on paper is the toughest part of making a film. He noted that once actors are on set, the process becomes far more effortless by comparison.
When does Dhamaal 4 release?
Dhamaal 4 is set to release on 10 July 2026. The film is directed by Indra Kumar and produced by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, and others.
Who does Jaaved Jaaferi play in Dhamaal 4?
Jaaved Jaaferi plays the character Manav in Dhamaal 4. He has spoken about the importance of staying within a character's defined boundaries to deliver a believable and enjoyable performance.
What did Jaaved Jaaferi say about the role of writing in acting?
Jaaferi said that good writing naturally draws out strong performances, while poor writing leaves actors with two problems to solve simultaneously. He recalled anecdotes from his father's era to illustrate how inadequate scripts hamstring even experienced performers.
Who has produced Dhamaal 4?
Dhamaal 4 is produced by Ajay Devgn, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Indra Kumar, Anand Pandit, and Kumar Mangat Pathak, under T-Series Films, Maruti International, and Panorama Studios.
