Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has spoken about the evolving nature of Hindi cinema, emphasising that filmmakers must adapt to changing storytelling styles while recognising the diversity of audience preferences.
Speaking during a recent interaction ahead of his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji, Deshmukh reflected on how recent films have introduced fresh narratives and cinematic approaches, reshaping audience expectations.
Emphasis on adapting to change
Referring to films like Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, Deshmukh noted that such projects have brought a new style of storytelling to mainstream cinema.
He said filmmakers must remain aware of these changes and be open to experimentation. According to him, innovative narratives, different storytelling techniques and new kinds of protagonists are positive developments for the industry.
Deshmukh stressed that ignoring such shifts could limit creative growth, adding that successful films often redefine what audiences expect from cinema.
Audience taste remains wide-ranging
While acknowledging the success of new storytelling formats, Deshmukh cautioned against assuming that only one type of cinema will succeed. He pointed out that Indian audiences are diverse and continue to support a wide range of genres and narratives.
He cited examples of films that succeeded despite belonging to different genres and styles, noting that each has carved its own space and audience.
According to him, the key factor behind success remains a compelling story. If a film resonates with viewers, they will support it regardless of its format or scale.
“Good stories will always find an audience”
Deshmukh underlined that the industry should not confine itself to specific formulas or trends. Instead, he encouraged filmmakers to look at the larger picture and continue exploring varied themes.
He said audiences appreciate different kinds of cinema, from experimental narratives to mainstream entertainers, and that this diversity should be embraced rather than restricted.
Raja Shivaji: A major upcoming project
Deshmukh’s upcoming film Raja Shivaji is one of his most ambitious projects to date. The film is based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and traces his journey from early life to the establishment of Swarajya.
In addition to playing the lead role, Deshmukh has also directed and co-written the film, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The film features a large ensemble cast, including Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, and a special appearance by Salman Khan.
Release details
Raja Shivaji is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026. The film will be released in Marathi and Hindi, with a dubbed version also planned in Telugu to reach a wider audience.
Conclusion
Riteish Deshmukh’s remarks highlight the ongoing transformation in Indian cinema, where evolving storytelling techniques coexist with traditional formats. His perspective reinforces the idea that while trends may change, strong storytelling remains central to a film’s success, and diversity in content continues to define audience engagement.
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