Neetu Chandra, a veteran of 23 years in Indian cinema, has revealed a significant shift in her creative philosophy — one that now prioritises meaningful narratives over star-driven opportunities. Speaking ahead of her upcoming film 'Aakhri Sawal', the actress said she no longer chases roles but instead seeks out "stories that stay with you." The film, set to release on May 15, stars Sanjay Dutt and is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Abhijeet Mohan Warang.

A Philosophy Forged Over Two Decades

Neetu Chandra has been a recognisable face in Bollywood and regional cinema since the early 2000s. After navigating the highs and lows of a long career, she says her approach to choosing projects has fundamentally changed. "Over the years, my perspective has evolved. I don't chase roles anymore, I chase stories that stay with you. Aakhiri Sawal is one such film," she stated.

This kind of artistic maturity is increasingly rare in an industry that often rewards visibility over substance. For Neetu Chandra, the shift signals a deliberate move toward cinema that resonates beyond the multiplex experience.

She further elaborated: "It's not just cinema, it's a question that lingers long after the lights go out. Being part of something so intense and thought-provoking feels far more meaningful than simply being in the spotlight."

Working With Sanjay Dutt and a National Award-Winning Director

The actress described the experience of collaborating on 'Aakhri Sawal' as transformative, citing two key factors — the directorial vision of Abhijeet Mohan Warang and the presence of Sanjay Dutt on set.

"Collaborating with National Award-winning director Abhijeet Mohan Warang, whose vision brings rare depth to storytelling, and sharing the screen with a legend like Sanjay Dutt has been nothing short of transformative. It has been a journey of learning, growth, and rediscovery," Neetu Chandra said.

Abhijeet Mohan Warang made his directorial debut with the Marathi-language drama 'Picasso' in 2021, which earned him a Special Mention at the 67th National Film Awards. His body of work spans both Marathi and Hindi cinema, including titles such as 'Deja Vu', 'Prem Pratha Dhumshan', 'Piccolo', and the short film 'Virtual Reality'.

What 'Aakhri Sawal' Is About

'Aakhri Sawal' is positioned as one of the more ambitious historical dramas of 2025. The film chronicles the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), one of India's oldest and largest unified organisations, founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

The subject matter is inherently significant — the RSS has been central to India's socio-political landscape for a century, making a cinematic exploration of its origins and evolution both culturally relevant and commercially bold. Bringing such a story to mainstream Bollywood audiences is a notable creative and commercial risk.

The film's ensemble cast includes Amit Sadh, Namashi Chakraborty, Sameera Reddy, and Tridha Choudhury alongside Sanjay Dutt and Neetu Chandra.

Production and Release Details

'Aakhri Sawal' is presented by Nikhil Nanda and Dhanraj Nathwani. The film is produced by Nikhil Nanda and Sanjay Dutt, with co-producers including Puneet Nanda, Dr. Deepak Singh, Gaurav Dubey, and Ujjwal Anand.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 15, 2025. Given its subject — a centennial account of the RSS — the timing is likely to generate significant public discourse across political and cultural circles in India.

Bigger Picture: Veteran Actors Choosing Substance Over Stardom

This comes amid a broader trend in Indian cinema where seasoned actors are increasingly gravitating toward content-driven projects rather than formulaic commercial vehicles. Neetu Chandra's candid articulation of this shift mirrors what several of her contemporaries have expressed — that longevity in the industry demands reinvention and a willingness to take on narratives that challenge both the actor and the audience.

With 'Aakhri Sawal' releasing on May 15, audiences and critics alike will be watching closely to see whether the film lives up to its ambitious premise and the weight of expectations that come with a 100-year historical narrative.