At the trailer launch of his upcoming film Heer Express in Mumbai, director-producer Umesh Shukla candidly shared his perspective on making a family entertainer in a time when dark thrillers and high-octane action dominate screens. Known for his feel-good, emotionally resonant films like 102 Not Out and OMG – Oh My God!, Shukla defended his decision to go against prevailing trends, emphasizing the lasting appeal and necessity of family-oriented cinema.
“No, I don’t think I feel that I should follow the trend,” said Shukla. “I follow my heart, and I think the kind of trend we’re witnessing—thriller, action, and dark-dingy stuff—I feel family films have a huge audience.” Reflecting on the reception of 102 Not Out, Shukla shared a personal highlight from its success: “I experienced this when three generations would go to cinema halls to watch it together. That was a great moment for me at that time.”
He further added that even in an era saturated with similar genres, family films have historically found their space. “Even if previously 25–30 similar kinds of films were made, if the market was seeing thrillers and actions, there was still space for family films, and they used to find success,” he explained, citing classics like Baghban and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! as enduring examples. “I feel the family audience, which is missing from cinema halls, will return if a family film is made. People do want to go out to watch a film together, but sometimes the films that are releasing are the kind you watch with friends—not with family.”
Umesh Shukla expressed his firm belief in the emotional and social power of communal viewing experiences. “I believe when a family watches this film together, they will come out as a better family,” he concluded with conviction.
Heer Express follows the story of Heer, a young woman embarking on a journey to fulfill her dreams while carrying her family’s legacy forward. The ensemble cast includes Divita Juneja, Prit Kamani, Ashutosh Rana, Gulshan Grover, Sanjay Mishra, and Meghna Malik. Produced by Tulip Entertainment in association with Merry Go Round Studios and Creative Strokes Group, the film is directed by Umesh Shukla and produced by Shukla, Ashish Wagh, Mohit Chhabra, and Sanjay Grover, with co-producer Sampada Wagh.
In an industry that often chases the next genre wave, Heer Express might just be the heartfelt alternative families have been waiting for.