Filmmaker Priyadarshan may be celebrated for some of the most iconic comedy films in Indian cinema, but the director has revealed that the genre isn’t his personal preference. Known for hits like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan recently admitted that he often ends up making comedy films despite wanting to focus on more serious storytelling.
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, the veteran filmmaker opened up about his creative choices and the perception of comedy filmmakers within the industry.
“I like to shoot serious films. I don’t like to shoot comedy films. I have no option, so I am doing it. But when I shoot a serious film, there’s a big issue. When you make comedy films, you are never respected as a good director. When you make a serious film, there is respect for you in the film fraternity. That is very painful to me. Why is a comedy filmmaker never accepted as a good filmmaker?” he said.
The director added that while comedy has brought him immense popularity, his passion lies in intense, meaningful cinema. Priyadarshan pointed to films like Kanchivaram and Kaalapaani as examples of the kind of projects he enjoys making, as they earn greater recognition within filmmaking circles.
“I love making films like Kanchivaram and Kaalapaani because there I will be accepted more as a filmmaker in the film fraternity,” he explained.
According to the filmmaker, the lack of recognition for comedy directors is not limited to India. He believes the issue exists globally, with comedy often being undervalued compared to other genres.
“Even internationally this issue exists. They look at you as a joker when you make comedy films. That is why you rarely find comedy films winning an Oscar. This is very sad, but it’s the reality,” he said.
Priyadarshan has been one of the most prolific filmmakers in Indian cinema, directing over 90 films across Malayalam, Hindi and several other languages since beginning his career in the early 1980s. While he is widely associated with popular comedies such as Hungama, Hulchul and Bhagam Bhag, he has also received critical acclaim for his serious films.
His period drama Kanchivaram and historical epic Kaalapaani both went on to win National Film Awards, showcasing a different side of the filmmaker’s storytelling.
Meanwhile, the director is gearing up for the release of his upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, produced by Akshay Kumar along with Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The film stars Akshay Kumar alongside Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi and is scheduled to release in theatres on April 10.
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