Latest news with #HansalMehta
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Hansal Mehta questions the efficacy of formulaic film promotions: 'Is it really success or just an illusion?'
Veteran filmmaker Hansal Mehta has sparked a timely conversation about the changing nature of film and series promotions, questioning whether the current publicity playbook truly serves the art or simply feeds a superficial perception of success. Mehta took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to express concern over the repetitive and formulaic approach to promoting films and web series. Without singling out any particular film, actor, or campaign, the Scam 1992 director highlighted how the industry has adopted a generic promotional template—where the same set of actors make rounds on identical platforms, answer the same questions, and appear at city events with little variety or genuine engagement. 'Do these generic, template promotions for films and series actually work? Do they make people watch? Do they make the film/series any better? Or do they simply sustain an ecosystem built on illusion—PR agencies, costume designers, event planners, influencers, sponsors, red carpets, press conferences, paid 'reviews', social media fluff. It all looks like success,' Mehta wrote in his post. He further pointed out how the machinery of promotions now seems more focused on maintaining visibility and popularity, rather than letting the film's merit drive audience interest. 'It feels like popularity. But is it? Shouldn't a good trailer stir curiosity? Shouldn't compelling promo units and—most importantly—a good film or series be enough?' Mehta questioned. In a climate where promotional events are increasingly used to flood social media with visual buzz and influencer endorsements, Mehta's observations strike a chord with many in the industry who are seeking more authentic forms of outreach. 'Instead, we're stuck watching the same actors answer the same 10 questions on the same podcasts in the same studios, flying from one city to another, chasing a perception,' he added. Concluding his reflective post, Mehta wrote, 'This isn't a rant—it's a question: What's the best way to promote a story today without becoming part of a machinery that serves neither the art nor the artist?' Known for his candid views and artistic integrity, Hansal Mehta is acclaimed for films like Shahid, Aligarh, Faraaz, Chhalaang, and the critically acclaimed series Scam 1992. His recent film The Buckingham Murders also drew attention for its mature storytelling and international narrative approach. Mehta's observations have reignited a broader discussion within the film fraternity about the relevance and return-on-investment of large-scale promotions. As storytelling continues to evolve across streaming platforms and theatres, industry stakeholders may need to reconsider whether traditional promotional strategies remain effective or have become outdated spectacles with diminishing impact. In an era where audiences often form opinions based on content quality rather than media buzz, Mehta's questions are a timely reminder to prioritize storytelling over spectacle.
News18
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Hansal Mehta Slams X User Calling His Mukul Dev Tribute ‘Narcissistic': ‘When A Friend Dies…'
Last Updated: A netizen criticized Hansal Mehta's tribute to his late friend Mukul Dev, accusing him of 'hyping' his film Omertà in the post. Here's how the filmmaker reacted! After Mukul Dev passed away on May 23, his friend and filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared an emotional tribute on social media. In his post, Hansal Mehta recalled how Mukul gave him the story for Omertà in 2003 and later felt proud and joyful seeing his name in the writing credits when the film was finally made. An X user recently slammed Hansal Mehta, accusing him of being a 'narcissist' and 'hyping' his film Omerta in his tribute for Mukul Dev. He reacted strongly to the netizen, and stated that the film was Mukul's dream, and that his pride in it was real. He added that if narrating that is 'narcissism', then they need to look up the meaning of grief and decency. On Sunday, the X user shared a screenshot of Hansal Mehta's emotional tribute to Mukul Dev. 'Hansal Mehta is such a narcissist. Even here he is hyping himself and his film through his words…and why would you say that he was disappointed in himself and all after Mukul Dev passed away," wrote the netizen. Hansal Mehta hit back at the netizen, and wrote, 'When a friend dies, grief expresses itself in memories, in stories, in guilt, in unfinished conversations. I shared mine with honesty and affection. If you see narcissism in that, it says more about your lens than my intent. Also, I don't need to 'hype" a film made over seven years ago. That film was Mukul's dream. His pride in it was real. His credit on it gave him some joy. If narrating that is narcissism, maybe you need to look up the meaning of grief and decency." When a friend dies, grief expresses itself in memories, in stories, in guilt, in unfinished conversations. I shared mine with honesty and affection. If you see narcissism in that, it says more about your lens than my I don't need to 'hype" a film made over seven… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 29, 2025 Hansal Mehta's Tribute For Late Mukul Dev 'Mukul's career became a 'collection of missed opportunities and near breakthroughs'," wrote Hansal Mehta. He shared that Mukul had acted in multiple projects of his, even though some never made it to the screen. '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." Their collaboration extended to Omerta, the critically acclaimed film starring Rajkummar Rao. Mukul contributed significantly behind the scenes as well. '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. International. Soch bhi nahi sakta tha ki aisi film mein I'd have a writing credit. This is so good for me.' That credit made him feel seen. Respected. Validated. I just wish we had done more together," wrote the filmmaker. Concluding the note, he wrote, '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." First Published:
News18
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Hansal Mehta Questions Movie Promotion Events, Asks 'Do They Make Films Better?'
Last Updated: Hansal Mehta criticised the repetitive nature of film and series promotions, questioning their effectiveness and whether they truly engage audiences. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is known for sharing his brutally honest take on the Hindi film industry and life in general. He recently expressed his candid thoughts on the current state of film and series promotions on X (formerly Twitter). He criticised the formulaic nature of marketing campaigns and questioned whether it contributes to success. In a long post on X, Hansal Mehta asked whether these standard strategies truly engage audiences or merely create an illusion of success. Without naming any specific film or artist, he highlighted how promotional activities have become rigid templates — the same actors appearing on the same podcasts, answering the same questions, and making identical appearances across cities and events. On Friday, the veteran filmmaker wrote on X, 'Do these generic, template promotions for films and series actually work? Do they make people watch? Do they make the film/series any better? Or do they simply sustain an ecosystem built on illusion—PR agencies, costume designers, event planners, influencers, sponsors, red carpets, press conferences, paid 'reviews', social media fluff. It all looks like success." He continued, 'It feels like popularity. But is it? Shouldn't a good trailer stir curiosity? Shouldn't compelling promo units and—most importantly—a good film or series be enough? Instead, we're stuck watching the same actors answer the same 10 questions on the same podcasts in the same studios, flying from one city to another, chasing a perception." Mehta, who has never shied away from expressing his views, concluded his post with a thought-provoking question: 'This isn't a rant—it's a question: What's the best way to promote a story today without becoming part of a machinery that serves neither the art nor the artist?" Take a look: Do these generic, template promotions for films and series actually work?Do they make people watch? Do they make the film/series any better? Or do they simply sustain an ecosystem built on illusion—PR agencies, costume designers, event planners, influencers, sponsors, red…— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 4, 2025 Though he didn't name any filmmaker or specific film promotion, his remarks come amid the aggressive campaigns for Metro… In Dino, and other films. Hansal Mehta is renowned for acclaimed works such as Shahid, Faraaz, Chhalaang, the hit series Scam 1992, and recently-released The Buckingham Murders starring Kareena Kapoor Khan. He began his career in 1993 with Zee TV's cookery show Khana Khazana, which also launched celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor's television journey. First Published:
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hansal Mehta questions impact of film promotion events: 'Do they make people watch?'
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta criticized repetitive film promotions on X, questioning if they truly engage audiences or just create an illusion of success. He urged for meaningful marketing focused on strong trailers and quality content, rather than formulaic events, amid aggressive campaigns for films like 'Metro… In Dino'. Hansal Mehta , the filmmaker renowned for his straightforward and unfiltered views on Bollywood and life, recently shared his honest opinion about how films and series are promoted on X (previously Twitter ). He criticized the repetitive and predictable marketing tactics, questioning their effectiveness in driving success. Formulaic Nature of Promotional Activities In an extensive post on X, Mehta questioned whether the usual promotional methods truly capture audience interest or simply give the appearance of success. Without naming anyone, he criticized how marketing has become formulaic, with actors repeatedly appearing on the same podcasts, answering identical questions, and making similar appearances in various locations. Questioning the True Value of Popularity Taking to his social media handle, the filmmaker wrote on X, 'Do these generic, template promotions for films and series actually work? Do they make people watch? Do they make the film/series any better? Or do they simply sustain an ecosystem built on illusion—PR agencies, costume designers, event planners, influencers, sponsors, red carpets, press conferences, paid 'reviews', social media fluff. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo It all looks like success. " He continued, 'It feels like popularity. But is it? Shouldn't a good trailer stir curiosity? Shouldn't compelling promo units and—most importantly—a good film or series be enough? Instead, we're stuck watching the same actors answer the same 10 questions on the same podcasts in the same studios, flying from one city to another, chasing a perception." A Call for Meaningful Promotion He concluded his post with a question: 'This isn't a rant—it's a question: What's the best way to promote a story today without becoming part of a machinery that serves neither the art nor the artist?". Context Amidst Aggressive Marketing Campaigns Although Mehta didn't specify any filmmaker or film, his critique comes at a time when movies like 'Metro… In Dino' and others are being promoted with intense and widespread marketing efforts. Hansal Mehta's Acclaimed Filmography Hansal Mehta, known for powerful projects like 'Shahid', 'Faraaz', 'Chhalaang', and the acclaimed series 'Scam 1992', recently released 'The Buckingham Murders' featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan .
India Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Same drug, different packaging: Hansal Mehta, KJo review Brad Pitt's F1
Brad Pitt's new racing film 'F1' has hit theatres, and Indian filmmakers Karan Johar and Hansal Mehta have shared their reviews. While both agreed that the movie follows a familiar formula, they also praised it for being entertaining, exciting, and packed with thrilling race Johar posted a review on Instagram calling it a fun watch despite being predictable. He wrote, 'Familiar Tropes, predictable beats, one-liners you see coming a mile away and Yet. SO MUCH FUN! You can't stop yourself from reaching the edge of your seat or gasping out loud (sic).'advertisementHe added, 'Brad Pitt seems to have approached the role with a self-reflecting Zen mode movie star swag! So effective and landed every beat!' Though he found the climax a bit weak, he ended by saying, 'Mildly underwhelmed with the climatic beat BUT don't miss this adrenaline race and rush (sic).' Meanwhile, Hansal Mehta shared his thoughts on the film on X, saying, '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.'He added, 'And yet, despite all that, it works - at least in parts. The racing sequences are thrillingly constructed. The film treats its beautifully ageing lead with near-reverence and rightly so.'My thoughts on F1F1 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 Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 29, 2025advertisementMehta also criticised the treatment of the 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.'He summed it up by saying, 'The crowd wanted the hit and the film delivered. Same drug, different packaging but the high still lands.'Directed by 'Top Gun: Maverick' filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, 'F1' stars Brad Pitt as a retired racing legend making a comeback. Co-produced by F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, the film features Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and more.- EndsTrending Reel
