Suniel Shetty reflects on action career and pandemic pause; says, “I analysed my own actions and realised, I have been doing the same crap” : Bollywood News

Veteran actor Suniel Shetty, at 63, stars in the second season of the gritty web series Hunter, streaming on Amazon MX Player, and admits that the pandemic gave him an essential wake‑up call about his career choices. In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, he revealed how the hiatus forced him to rethink familiar patterns.

Suniel Shetty reflects on action career and pandemic pause; says, “I analysed my own actions and realised, I have been doing the same crap”

Reflecting on his multi-decade run in action cinema, Shetty said, “During the pandemic, I also had a 4‑5 year break from my career. I watched so much that I became the end user. I started understanding cinema from the viewer's perspective. Then, I analysed my own actions and realised, 'I have been doing the same crap.' I decided to change that. It’s about reinventing yourself after understanding what your negatives are.”

He doesn’t look back with regret—just discernment. Shetty added, “There are a lot of films I wouldn’t do today, many roles I wouldn’t do now. Samajh bhi nahi thi. Kabhi kabhi directors me capability nahi thi execute karne me un kahaniyon ko. At the same time, I have done so many films and one has managed to survive, toh aage jo karenge soch‑samajh ke karenge. That's why I am very choosy with whatever little I get.”

On the evolution of action cinema, he shared, “It’s not just about the energy and power behind the action, but the presence of mind and understanding the situation. You have to make the action look better, making sure the action is backed with a solid situation.”

Shetty also voiced his support for emerging talent, lamenting that “the younger writers are not writing such scripts.” He emphasized that audiences will embrace fresh performers if they’re given “scripts and characters that are convincing”, highlighting that “there are many young actors who are very good with their performances and can be as good in action. But you need to give them those characters.”

With Hunter Season 2 now streaming, Shetty’s reflection and renewed selectiveness mark a creative turning point—one grounded in self-awareness, growth, and a more mature understanding of storytelling.

Also Read : Hunter Season 2 trailer launch: Did Jackie Shroff have fun while shooting in Thailand? Veteran actor gives EPIC reply: “Joote padenge ghar se!”; Tiger Shroff’s sudden special appearance adds to the fun