Abhay Deol Criticizes Old-School Indian Cinema, Calls for Deeper Storytelling

The actor challenges outdated views on Indian audiences, urging the industry to embrace films that explore complex characters and cultural depth

Abhay Deol recently shared his experience of growing up watching international films and questioned why Indian cinema couldn’t achieve the same storytelling depth. Reflecting on the attitudes he encountered, Abhay revealed he was often told that India is “too poor and uneducated” to appreciate nuanced films and that audiences needed to be “spoon-fed.” He expressed frustration with this mindset, emphasizing that if such views continue, Indian cinema may struggle to evolve, as films have the power to shape and reflect culture.

In a candid interview with Filmfare, Abhay spoke about his disillusionment with the one-dimensional characters typical of Indian films in the ’80s and ’90s. Having seen the rich, complex character portrayals in foreign films, he was struck by the contrast in Indian cinema, which often relied on basic hero-heroine narratives. Abhay questioned why Indian films rarely delved into characters’ backgrounds and societal influences, noting that while there has been progress in recent years, films from that era lacked depth and diversity in storytelling.

He recalled being advised to create escapist films, as they were thought to uplift audiences from their “miserable lives.” However, Abhay resisted this approach, asserting that treating audiences this way only holds back progress. “If we continue to treat them like that, they will never evolve, because films create culture,” he argued, highlighting the influential role of cinema in shaping perspectives.

Abhay acknowledged the impact of pioneering actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, who helped push Indian cinema toward a more sophisticated narrative. He sees his own work in films like DevD, Manorama Six Feet Under, and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! as part of this shift, focusing on creative exploration rather than competing within industry norms.

On the professional front, Abhay Deol is set to appear in Bun Tikki, where he stars alongside Zeenat Aman and Shabana Azmi, who reunite after four decades. The film, directed by Faraz Arif Ansari and produced by Manish Malhotra’s Stage 5 Production in collaboration with Jio Studios, marks an exciting new chapter in Abhay’s journey of championing thoughtful storytelling in Indian cinema.