Ektaa Kapoor on directing with Priyadarshan: 'Most fun I've had on set'
Synopsis
Ektaa Kapoor's Instagram tribute to Priyadarshan isn't just gratitude—it's a masterclass in why veteran directors matter. His first question wasn't about creative control; it was about producer profitability. That rare alignment of vision and financial discipline turned Bhooth Bangla into her biggest hit, and it's reshaping how she thinks about future partnerships.
Key Takeaways
Producer Ektaa Kapoor called her collaboration with filmmaker Priyadarshan on Bhooth Bangla the most enjoyable of her career.
Priyadarshan's first question: "Are you making money on this film?" — prioritising producer financial security.
Bhooth Bangla , released 17 April 2025 , became Kapoor's biggest commercial hit .
Cast includes Akshay Kumar , Paresh Rawal , Tabu , Jisshu Sengupta , and Rajpal Yadav .
Kapoor credited Priyadarshan's vision and discipline for steering the project to success despite both being known for strong personalities.
Producer Ektaa Kapoor has opened up about her collaborative experience with filmmaker Priyadarshan on the Akshay Kumar-led horror comedy Bhooth Bangla, calling it the most enjoyable professional partnership of her career. On Wednesday, 6 May, Kapoor shared candid reflections on Instagram, revealing the mutual respect and shared vision that underpinned their working relationship despite both being known for their strong personalities.
What Priyadarshan asked first
In her post, Kapoor disclosed that Priyadarshan's opening question before committing to the project was deeply rooted in producer welfare. "Ekta, are you making money on this film? I don't work on a film if my producer doesn't make money," he reportedly asked. This philosophy, Kapoor noted, gave her confidence that both the company's finances and the film itself were in capable hands.
Mutual respect over friction
Kapoor emphasised that while disagreements arose during production, they were always grounded in professional respect. She highlighted Priyadarshan's rare belief system of ensuring producer security before beginning principal photography — a principle she described as uncommon in the industry. This foundation allowed the two strong-willed personalities to navigate creative differences constructively.
The director's role
Kapoor articulated her philosophy that a director's primary responsibility is to steer the project forward with vision and discipline. She credited Priyadarshan with delivering exactly that on Bhooth Bangla, which she called the biggest commercial success of her career to date.
Cast and release
Bhooth Bangla, featuring Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, hit theatres on 17 April 2025. The horror-comedy has resonated with audiences, becoming a standout performer in Kapoor's production slate.
Looking forward
Kapoor concluded her Instagram tribute by expressing gratitude toward Priyadarshan, signalling openness to future collaborations. The success of Bhooth Bangla has reignited discussion in industry circles about the value of pairing experienced producers with veteran directors who prioritise both creative excellence and financial accountability.
Point of View
Priyadarshan's first move—asking if the producer was making money—flips the script. Most filmmakers lead with creative control. He led with financial trust. That's not just rare; it's a blueprint for why Bhooth Bangla worked when so many horror-comedies don't. Kapoor's 'biggest hit' claim is worth watching against box-office data, but her willingness to credit a director's discipline over her own star power signals a shift in how she's thinking about production partnerships going forward.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Priyadarshan ask Ektaa Kapoor before working on Bhooth Bangla?
Priyadarshan's first question was whether Kapoor was making money on the film, stating he does not work on projects where the producer is not financially secure. This approach gave Kapoor confidence in his commitment to both creative and financial success.
Why does Ektaa Kapoor call Bhooth Bangla her biggest hit?
Kapoor has described Bhooth Bangla as the biggest commercial success of her career. The horror-comedy, released on 17 April 2025, resonated strongly with audiences and performed well at the box office.
What cast members appear in Bhooth Bangla?
The film features Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi in key roles.
How did Ektaa Kapoor and Priyadarshan handle creative disagreements?
While disagreements arose during production, Kapoor emphasised that they were always rooted in mutual respect and professional courtesy. She credited Priyadarshan's discipline and vision for steering the project forward constructively.
