Latest news with #Hansal
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Familiar screenwriting" but it works "in parts"- Hansal Mehta: reviews Brad Pitt's 'F1'
The well-known filmmaker Hansal Mehta has reviewed actor Brad Pitt's new film, 'F1,' and shared his point of view at length about what has worked for the film and what has not. What did the Scam 1992 maker say? Sharing from his social media handle early on Monday, Hansal praised Brad Pitt, saying that there's "something moving about watching a star who knows how to carry silence and wear fatigue with grace. " Hansal said that "the treatment of the supporting cast" in the film "definitely doesn't work." Hansal said that even though 'F1' has "familiar screenwriting," but it works "in parts." He said, "My thoughts on F1. F1 applies every familiar screenwriting trope from the underdog sportsperson playbook: the tormented past, the fractured team, the old-vs-young dynamic, and the predictable trajectory from rock bottom to redemption. You can almost hear the structure ticking away beneath the surface." What works in 'F1' as per Mehta He added it with "And yet, despite all that, it works - at least in parts. The racing sequences are thrillingly constructed, shot with the kind of kinetic precision that makes you forget the cliché for a while. The film treats its beautifully ageing lead with near-reverence and rightly so. There's something moving about watching a star who knows how to carry silence and wear fatigue with grace." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Hansal says 'F1' didn't do justice to Javier Bardem's character Hansal also said that the film has "same drug, different packaging." Further adding, "What definitely doesn't work is the treatment of its supporting cast. Take Javier Bardem—an actor capable of thunder—and reduce him to one of the laziest character sketches in recent memory. A waste really. And yet, for all its worn-out tropes and narrative shortcuts F1 had the audience glued for most part, willingly swept up in the spectacle. Somehow the clichés didn't matter. The crowd wanted the hit and the film delivered. Same drug, different packaging but the high still lands."
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hansal Mehta reviews Brad Pitt's F1: Calls it ‘same drug, different packaging' that wasted Javier Bardem
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has reviewed actor Brad Pitt's new film F1 and spoken at length about what has worked for the film and what hasn't. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) early on Monday, Hansal praised Brad Pitt, saying that there's "something moving about watching a star who knows how to carry silence and wear fatigue with grace". Hansal said that "the treatment of the supporting cast" in the film "definitely doesn't work". Hansal Mehta spoke about the Brad Pitt-starrer F1. Hansal said that even though F1 has "familiar screenwriting" but it works "in parts". He said, "My thoughts on F1. F1 applies every familiar screenwriting trope from the underdog sportsperson playbook: the tormented past, the fractured team, the old-vs-young dynamic, and the predictable trajectory from rock bottom to redemption. You can almost hear the structure ticking away beneath the surface." "And yet, despite all that, it works - at least in parts. The racing sequences are thrillingly constructed, shot with the kind of kinetic precision that makes you forget the cliché for a while. The film treats its beautifully ageing lead with near-reverence and rightly so. There's something moving about watching a star who knows how to carry silence and wear fatigue with grace," he added. Hansal says F1 didn't do justice to Javier Bardem's character Hansal also said that the film has "same drug, different packaging". "What definitely doesn't work is the treatment of its supporting cast. Take Javier Bardem—an actor capable of thunder—and reduce him to one of the laziest character sketches in recent memory. A waste really. And yet, for all its worn-out tropes and narrative shortcuts F1 had the audience glued for most part, willingly swept up in the spectacle. Somehow the clichés didn't matter. The crowd wanted the hit and the film delivered. Same drug, different packaging but the high still lands," he added. About F1 Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film tells the story of Sonny Hayes, a veteran Formula One driver played by Brad, who makes a comeback to the sport after a 30-year hiatus. A talented and promising driver, a severe accident ended his career. In the film, Brad's character, Sonny, is brought back into the world of Formula One by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem), who now owns a struggling F1 team. As Sonny attempts to help the team make a comeback, he faces challenges both on and off the track, including reconciling with his past. F1 also stars Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and others.
Hindustan Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hansal Mehta calls for investigation of ‘predatory behaviour' in film industry after allegations against Pratik Shah
Homebound cinematographer Pratik Shah faced serious allegations of abuse and inappropriate conduct on Friday. Now filmmaker Hansal Mehta has called for a 'thorough investigation' of predatory behaviour by men in positions of power. The directors behind films like Shahid and Citylights shared a long note on X (formerly Twitter) to comment on how there needs to be accountability and victims cannot suffer in silence. (Also read: Dharma Productions addresses abuse allegations against Homebound DoP: 'Our internal committee didn't receive complaints') In his X post, Hansal began, 'Abuse thrives in silence. It festers in fear. Predatory behaviour by men in positions of power must be investigated thoroughly, and if found true, must be called out — unequivocally, and without delay. For too long, predators have weaponised influence, privilege, and fear to silence survivors. That silence must be broken.' He went on to add, 'But let's be clear — abuse of power is not confined to one gender. Women in positions of authority, too, have inflicted harm. Abuse has many forms. It is not always sexual. Mental, emotional and psychological abuse can be just as scarring. Just as violating. Workspaces — especially creative ones — often cloak toxicity in the name of 'passion' or 'genius.' That must stop. No art, no film, no script is worth the cost of someone's safety or sanity.' The note further read, 'Victims need voice. They need redress. They need a system that listens — and acts. Accountability is not cancel culture. It is culture correction. We owe it to ourselves, and to those who come after us, to make our spaces safer. Cleaner. Kinder. Call out the predators. Call out the habitual abuser. Hold them accountable. Let no power be above decency.' On Friday, Hansal had released a statement via his Instagram Stories saying, 'Serious allegations of predatory behaviour have emerged against cinematographer Pratik Shah. These must be hard. Because if they aren't, like so many before, this too will fade – and once again, predatory behaviour will be forgiven in the name of art.' He added, 'I say this with a sense of deep scepticism- because hypocrisy is everywhere. Predators will flourish, as they always have. Abusers will be celebrated for their 'art'. And the survivors? They'll be left to carry their trauma alone, trying to make sense of their shattered careers and stolen safety.' Pratik Shah deleted his Instagram account after allegations surfaced on social media. He is yet to respond to the allegations in a statement. He shot Homebound, the only Indian feature film which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year. It is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Hansal Mehta wants you to watch Seth Rogen's The Studio. Know all about the acclaimed new series here
Bollywood director Hansal Mehta has reviewed Seth Rogen's new TV show The Studio. It stars Seth as a struggling Hollywood studio head trying to balance corporate demands with his personal passion for producing quality films. The show has been critically acclaimed for its stinging satire, cinematography and performances. (Also read: Seth Rogen opens up about directing Martin Scorsese in The Studio: 'Worst nightmare in the entire world') Hansal took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account and posted a detailed review of the show. The first episode didn't impress the director and he started to question if the show was worth all the hype. However, as he went past it, Hansal started to get engrossed in the underlining irony and pathos of the show. Hansal wrote, 'I saw the trailers and I was kicked. This looked like the show — sharp, satirical, self-aware. I read the early reviews, and the buzz was real. So I dove in, eager, almost giddy with anticipation. Then came Episode 1. And I was… underwhelmed. Slapstick? Superficial? Was this really it? I wondered — had the PR outpaced the product? Or was I just not getting it? But then… the magic unfolded. Gradually. Subtly. Smartly.' 'The cast is uniformly excellent — not in that polished, prestige-TV way, but in a raw, lived-in, gloriously messy manner that suits the chaos they inhabit. Each actor seems to understand the absurdity of their world and yet plays it with complete conviction. There's a rhythm to their performances — breathless, jagged, and sometimes heartbreakingly still. The shooting style embraces this chaos — long, frantic takes that swing between backstage frenzy and intimate implosions. The camera doesn't just observe; it crashes into rooms, lingers on silent defeat, and dances with delusion. What they've pulled off is a spectacle — but not the kind the industry usually sells. This is a spectacle that feels real. Real in its pain, its absurdity, its backstage drama. And in doing so, The Studio becomes a mirror to a world that thrives on illusion — and yet somehow delivers truth," Hansal concluded. The main cast of The Studio has Seth Rogen starring as Matt Remick, the president of Continental Studios and Catherine O'Hara as veteran producer Patty. It also stars Ike Barinholtz as Matt's right-hand colleague Sal while Kathryn Hahn plays the unhinged marketing lead Maya, along with newcomer Chase Sui Wonders as creative executive Quinn. Directed, written and produced by Seth, the show boasts of memorable cameos from none-other-than Martin Scorsese and Netflix CEO Ted Sarando. Other notable special appearances include from stars like Zack Efron, Anthon Mackie, Olivia Wilde, Zoe Kravitz, Adam Scott and director Ron Howard. The Studio has been renewed for season 2 on Apple TV+.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
After Mukul Dev's death, close friend Hansal Mehta reveals what ‘chipped away at his spirit'
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who worked with late actor Mukul Dev for Omerta, expressed his grief with a long emotional note as he remembered the time they spent together. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Hansal also posted a bunch of pictures of Mukul. He wrote that Mukul's career became a "collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs". Hansal talked about what he feels 'chipped away' at Mukul's spirit. (Also Read | Grieving Anupam Kher remembers 'zinda dil insaan' Mukul Dev, says his death is unbelievable: 'Humesha hasta rehta tha') Hansal remembered Mukul's booming laughter, their inside jokes and his storytelling gift. He said, "As the weight of this loss settles in, I realise there's still so much more I want to say about my friend Mukul. I will miss Mukul deeply. His booming laughter at our inside jokes, his unmatched gift for storytelling, that unmistakable voice…" He wrote about Mukul being a part of his projects. "He acted in two of my unreleased films and a TV show—somehow in the shadows of it all, we became very close. We bonded over booze, broken hearts, and the foolish hope that things would one day make sense. For years, we were gym buddies, pushing each other through reps and regrets," he added. A post shared by Hansal Mehta (@hansalmehta) Hansal wrote about Mukul's not-so-successful career and what didn't make him happy. "Mukul was devastatingly handsome—his presence could light up a stadium, his charm could hold a room in thrall. He had what most people only dream of: a dream launch, big directors, prominent co-stars. He had the look, the talent, the pedigree. But his career became a collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs. A story of what could've been. A string of 'what ifs'," he further said. He added, "And I think those what ifs chipped away at his spirit. Slowly, quietly, they filled him with a sense of defeat and resignation—an ache that often found its only solace in booze. Behind the laughter and bravado was a man struggling to reconcile with the dreams that eluded him." Talking about their film Omerta, Hansal added, "He was also a gifted writer. He gave me the story of Omertà back in 2003. I remember the joy in his voice when the film was finally made, the pride when he saw it with festival audiences, and that infectious excitement when his name came up in the writing credits. Every time we spoke, he'd chuckle and say, 'Hansie, kya film banayi yaar (What a film you have made). International. Soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki aisi film mein (I can't believe) I'd have a writing credit (in such a film). This is so good for me.' That credit made him feel seen. Respected. Validated. I just wish we had done more together." Hansal also recalled the last time he spoke with Mukul. "The last time we spoke was a few months ago. The same gregarious laugh, the same fake Feroz Khan accent we always used with each other. But behind the laughter, I sensed something heavier—a quiet sadness, an air of disappointment, a kind of loneliness he never really shared. Go well, my beautiful, broken, brilliant friend. Phir milenge (We will meet soon)," concluded his note. Mukul died in New Delhi on Friday at the age of 54. He appeared in several popular television shows, including Gharwali Uparwali, Kasshish, Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai, and Kumkum - Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. His filmography also boasts notable roles in movies such as Yamla Pagla Deewana, Son of Sardaar, R Rajkumar, and Jai Ho. His final project, Son of Sardaar 2, is yet to be released.
