At the launch of the teaser event for his upcoming film ‘KD – The Devil,’ happened in Mumbai on July 10, 2025, veteran actor Sanjay Dutt shared his concerns about the current state of Bollywood cinema. He emphasized that films based on people packed with action, emotion, and larger-than-life characters are what truly resonate with Indian audiences.
A call for commercial entertainment
Dutt stated, “Bollywood has forgotten how to make massy films. The audience needs the mass.”
Dutt’s comments came during a media interaction at the teaser launch, where he praised KD – The Devil for its “mass appeal” and “powerful storytelling.” According to Bollywood Hungama, he said, “The character I have played is very powerful. His relationship with his wife is very unique. It’s a massy character. Since the time I did Rocky, I have only worked for masses.”
He also credited director Prem for crafting a film that blends emotional depth with stylized action, calling him “one of the most talented directors and one of the best human beings I have met.”
KD – The Devil: A return to roots?
The teaser for ‘KD – The Devil’ promises a gritty, action-packed period drama set in 1970s Bangalore. Dutt plays Dhak Deva, a formidable force bonded by blood with Dhruva Sarja’s character KD. The film also stars Shilpa Shetty and Nora Fatehi, and is being presented in five languages—Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
As noted by ‘Masala,’ fans are already calling it a “badass action and bloodbath” spectacle, with Dutt’s OG appearance drawing nostalgic praise.
The bigger picture: Bollywood’s identity crisis?
Dutt's comments are part of a larger discussion about Bollywood's changing identity. Many industry veterans are wondering if Hindi cinema has lost touch with its mass roots in light of the rise of pan-Indian films from the South and a growing desire for high-octane entertainers.
What was his message? It's time to revive massy storytelling's swagger, scale, and essence.
The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of jou...
Read MoreThe TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.
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