Are Audiences Really Rejecting Expensive Stars? Subhash Ghai and Mohit Suri Weigh In

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Subhash Ghai emphasizes audience preferences shifting away from expensive stars.
- The need for directors to have creative freedom is crucial.
- Corporate influence has changed the nature of filmmaking in India.
- 'Saiyaara' serves as a model for successful, innovative filmmaking.
- Engaging conversations among filmmakers can lead to meaningful insights.
Mumbai, Sep 8 (NationPress) Renowned filmmaker and producer Subhash Ghai, celebrated for classics like 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Taal', and 'Ram Lakhan', recently organized an enjoyable evening at his residence where he and his companions delved into the evolving dynamics of filmmaking in Hindi cinema and the film industry.
On Monday, Ghai took to Instagram, sharing a snapshot that included director Mohit Suri, dialogue writer Rohan Shankar, actor Shaad Randhawa, senior film trade analyst Komal Nahta, and more.
The central theme of their discussion revolved around the notion of audiences moving away from expensive stars and empowering directors to create films aligned with their vision.
He elaborated in his Instagram caption, stating, "It's always a joy to engage in a round-table chat at home over drinks, discussing the current state of filmmaking filled with laughter. The theme? Audiences bidding farewell to costly stars and allowing directors to make their films. Last night's gathering of friends turned into a master class brimming with insights from Komal Nahta, Mohit Suri, Rohan Shankar, and my team. It was truly a delightful evening. Thank you!"
The landscape of filmmaking in Indian cinema, particularly Hindi cinema, has undergone significant transformation since the introduction of the new economic policy. Numerous international studios ventured into India to produce films for the Hindi audience, bringing along a corporate culture. Although many studios exited after faced financial losses, the corporate influence has become deeply embedded in the filmmaking process of Hindi cinema.
Today, films are often produced not out of genuine passion for cinema but instead dictated by corporate agendas.
In contrast, 'Saiyaara', directed by Mohit Suri, shattered this paradigm. Suri has stated that he was given the freedom to express his creativity by producer Aditya Chopra. He crafted a film driven by his vision, featuring young actors and a fresh team, which became one of the biggest blockbusters of 2025 in Hindi cinema.