Sunny Deol Says Bollywood Is Chasing Looks Over Acting, Reflects On Changing Priorities In Hindi Cinema

Sunny Deol has shared his views on the changing priorities in Bollywood, saying the industry has become increasingly focused on appearances while acting has taken a back seat. The actor made the remarks during the special screening of his upcoming Netflix film Ikka in Mumbai, where he also addressed speculation surrounding his new clean-shaven look and reflected on being known as the son of veteran actor Dharmendra.

At the event, Sunny’s clean-shaven appearance attracted considerable attention, with several fans and members of the media linking the makeover to his reported role as Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Responding to the speculation, the actor laughed off the suggestions before speaking about what he believes has changed in the film industry over the years. While interacting with reporters in Punjabi, Sunny said that people today are more concerned about looks and that acting has gradually lost its importance. His remarks drew laughter from those present at the screening.

The actor did not elaborate further on his comments, but his statement sparked conversations online, with fans discussing whether the industry has increasingly prioritised physical appearance, styling and screen image over acting performances. Sunny has built his career on action-oriented roles and emotionally driven performances, making his comments resonate with many admirers who associate him with a different era of Hindi cinema.

Sunny also responded to comments comparing his current appearance to that of his late father, Dharmendra. Several attendees at the screening remarked that the actor was reminding them of his father, prompting Sunny to place his hand on his heart and smile without saying anything. The gesture received applause from those present at the event.

The actor has also been drawing attention for the promotional campaign of Ikka, his upcoming courtroom drama that marks his OTT debut. The film reunites Sunny with Akshaye Khanna nearly three decades after the two shared screen space in Border (1997). Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, Ikka revolves around an intense legal battle and is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on July 10.

Fans have also noticed that promotional material for Ikka introduces him as “Dharmendra’s son Sunny Deol” instead of using only his name. The actor has embraced the description as a tribute to his father, whose legacy continues to influence generations of Hindi cinema. During the screening, Sunny once again acknowledged the emotional connection he shares with his father through his quiet response to the audience’s remarks.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Sunny’s appearance in Ramayana has continued to gain momentum after his clean-shaven look surfaced publicly. While many fans believe the makeover is connected to his portrayal of Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic, neither the actor nor the filmmakers commented on the speculation at the event. Sunny is part of the film’s ensemble cast, which also includes Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Ravi Dubey.

With Ikka marking his first major OTT release and Ramayana among his upcoming big-screen projects, Sunny remains one of the busiest actors in Hindi cinema. His latest remarks on the industry’s emphasis on appearances have added another talking point ahead of Ikka’s release, with discussions continuing around whether acting or image now holds greater value in mainstream Bollywood.