Exclusive | Priyadarshan Slams Entourage Culture on Hindi Film Sets: 'So Many People Standing Around... I Cannot See The Visuals'

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan says he feels 'exhausted' with the entourage culture in Bollywood, noting that the paraphernalia and overcrowding on film sets hinder his work. The legendary director behind several iconic Malayalam and Hindi films spoke to The Hollywood Reporter India ahead of his new directorial, the horror comedy Bhoot Bangla. 

During the conversation, Priyadarshan, who had earlier indicated his retirement after completing his 100th film, expressed frustration over the growing number of people who crowd around actors on film sets. 

“I only get exhausted seeing the people around actors,” Priyadarshan, now 69, said. “On a floor, if I am working with three actors, I will see thirty people who are doing nothing and just standing around. I cannot see my visuals through the camera. They are blocking my view. I have never seen this in any other place than Bollywood,” he said. 

Priyadarshan, who has been working in Hindi cinema since the early 90s and has often commandeered large casts and crews, described the trend as a ‘recent’ development. “So many people come onto the set and they do nothing and make money. This is exhausting me. I hate it. It’s the only thing I dislike about Bollywood,” he expressed.

After a sustained gap from Hindi films, Priyadarshan has two returning projects featuring Akshay Kumar—Bhoot Bangla and the recently completed thriller Haiwaan. He is also attached to direct the long-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3, which has been delayed due to legal complications over franchise ownership and music rights.  Priyadashan confirmed that the film is unlikely to begin shooting this year.

“There are some legal issues which need to be sorted out with the producers," Priyadarshan said. "Basically, I don’t like sequels. When the project was floated, I had some ideas in my mind. I thought I could do it, and we tried it, but it didn’t work out. We don’t know when these issues will be sorted out. Only then can I begin thinking about the film."

While both Bhoot Bangla and Hera Phera 3 are comedies in his signature key, Priyadarshan described Haiwaan —a thriller with Kumar and Saif Ali Khan — as a tonal departure with some humorous elements. “We have completed the film. It’s a complete thriller. It has a serious tone but because it is my film, there are many places you can laugh as well,” he said.

Bhoot Bangla is slated for release on April 10, 2026. In addition to Kumar, the film has Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi and Rajpal Yadav in the cast.