For decades, filmmaker Priyadarshan has been the man behind some of India’s most iconic comedy films. Movies like ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Hungama’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ have made millions of people laugh.
But the director himself says comedy was never his real passion.
In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan revealed that he actually prefers making serious and intense films. According to him, comedy is something he ends up doing because he has “no option.”
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“I like to shoot serious films. I don’t like to shoot comedy films,” he said frankly.
Yes, the filmmaker who built a reputation as Bollywood’s comedy master says serious storytelling excites him far more.
“I am forced To make comedy films”
Priyadarshan did not hold back while explaining the situation.
He admitted that comedy films brought him massive popularity, but they also created a label that he finds difficult to escape.
“I have no option, so I am doing it,” he said while talking about making comedy movies.
For the director, the biggest frustration is the lack of recognition. According to him, filmmakers who specialise in comedy rarely receive the same respect as those who make serious cinema.
“When you make comedy films, you are never respected as a good director,” he explained.
That, he said, has always been painful for him.
Why comedy directors struggle for respect
Priyadarshan believes the film industry often looks down on comedy creators.
He questioned why directors who make people laugh are not considered equally talented.
“Why is a comedy filmmaker never accepted as a good filmmaker?” he asked.
In contrast, he says directors gain instant respect when they make serious films. That difference in perception is something he finds unfair.
For him, films like ‘Kanchivaram’ and ‘Kaalapaani’ represent the kind of cinema that earns recognition within the film fraternity.
The same problem exists worldwide
Priyadarshan also pointed out that this issue is not limited to Indian cinema.
According to him, comedy filmmakers across the world face the same problem.
“They look at you as a joker when you make comedy films,” he said.
He also mentioned that comedy films rarely win major international awards, including the Oscars.
For the director, this reflects how the industry undervalues humour as a craft.
“This is very sad, but it’s the reality,” he added.
A career spanning more than four decades
Priyadarshan has been directing films since 1982 and has built one of the most extensive filmographies in Indian cinema.
Over the years, he has directed more than 98 films in several Indian languages working primarily in Malayalam and Hindi cinema.
Many of his films have become cult favourites.
His most famous comedy hits include ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Hungama’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Bhagam Bhag’. These movies are still widely loved by audiences.
But the filmmaker has also created powerful serious dramas.
His films ‘Kanchivaram’ and ‘Kaalapaani’ received critical acclaim and even won National Film Awards.
Apart from these, his long list of successful films includes ‘Abhimanyu’, ‘Megham’, ‘Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu’, ‘Garam Masala’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’, and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’.
His upcoming film ‘Bhooth Bangla’ is a horror-comedy that has already created excitement after its teaser.