Subhash Ghai Vows to Revive Cinema’s Magic

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai is on a mission to rekindle the enchantment of Indian cinema, promising “novel stories” that transcend star power and resonate globally. In a Saturday Instagram post, the Taal director shared a candid photo alongside a note declaring Mukta Arts’ shift in focus: “Not looking for stars but only refined dedicated film directors n good deeper writers for big screen for pan cinema world wide.” He pledged to bring back theatrical magic, a tradition Mukta Arts has pursued since 1978’s Karz.

Ghai’s vision emphasizes storytelling over celebrity, aiming to craft narratives that captivate diverse audiences. This comes amid a reflective Holi post on Friday, where he shared a colorful Shah Rukh Khan still, reminiscing about industry unity: “We just dance together on this day… with full of genuine love.” His nostalgia underscores a desire to restore cinema’s communal spirit.

Recently, Ghai joined trade analyst Komal Nahta on the Game Changers podcast, spotlighting music’s pivotal role in his films. Known for musical hits like Karma and Pardes, he revealed his unique approach, likening music to poetry. “I considered music as poetry… Anand Bakshi was writing the singing dialogues,” he said, crediting the lyricist’s deep understanding of his stories. This synergy, he noted, elevated classics like Kalicharan and Khalnayak.

At 80, Ghai’s passion for cinema remains undimmed. Through Mukta Arts, Whistling Woods, and Mukta A2 Cinemas, he’s nurtured talent and innovation since the ’70s. His latest promise signals a bold pivot—eschewing star-driven formulas for writer-director collaborations that prioritize substance. As Bollywood navigates evolving tastes, Ghai’s commitment to “bringing back the magic” with fresh, meaningful tales could herald a new era for Indian theaters, rooted in his legacy of impactful storytelling.