Renowned filmmaker Priyadarshan, known for iconic hits like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has sparked a fresh debate in the film industry by criticizing the massive personal teams that modern actors bring to movie sets.
In a candid conversation, the veteran director expressed his exhaustion over the sheer number of people crowding the filming area. Priyadarshan revealed that it has become common for a single actor to arrive with a team of ten or more assistants, ranging from stylists and social media managers to personal security and vanity staff.
Too Many People, Too Little Work
The 69-year-old filmmaker highlighted a specific struggle that directors face behind the lens. According to him, these large groups often block the camera’s view and disrupt the creative flow.
“On a floor, if I am working with three actors, I will see 30 people who are doing nothing and just standing around,” Priyadarshan stated. “I cannot see my visuals through the camera. They are blocking my view.”
He noted that this phenomenon seems unique to Bollywood, as he hasn’t encountered such excessive crowds in other film industries. The director pointed out the irony that while many of these individuals contribute very little to the actual production of the film, they are still on the production’s payroll, adding a significant burden to the movie’s budget.
The Rising Cost of Stardom
Priyadarshan’s comments come at a time when several producers have begun to complain about “hidden costs” in filmmaking. Beyond the astronomical fees charged by top stars, the expense of maintaining an entourage—including their travel, food, and high-end vanity vans—can sometimes run into several lakhs of rupees per day.
While trade analysts and producers have voiced similar concerns recently, Priyadarshan’s critique focuses more on the work environment. For a filmmaker who prides himself on discipline and visual storytelling, the “chaos” created by dozens of bystanders is a major deterrent.
A Contrast in Industries
Interestingly, the filmmaker’s daughter, actress Kalyani Priyadarshan, recently spoke about the differences between the Malayalam and Hindi film industries. She noted that while Malayalam cinema often follows grueling 16-hour shifts, the culture of “simplicity” remains more prevalent there compared to the elaborate setups seen in Mumbai.
As the industry grapples with a string of big-budget failures, Priyadarshan’s call for a leaner, more focused production style might be the wake-up call the “star system” needs. The director is currently preparing for his upcoming project Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, where fans are curious to see if his “no-nonsense” approach will influence the set culture. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
