Veteran filmmaker Suneel Darshan, known for hits like Andaaz and Ek Rishtaa, is returning to the director’s chair with his upcoming film Andaaz 2—a romantic drama introducing three fresh faces. In a candid conversation, he shares the vision behind the film and his thoughts on the current state of the Hindi film industry, underlining the need for new talent and authentic storytelling.
Suneel Darshan reveals that Andaaz 2 was not conceived as a sequel to his 2003 hit Andaaz, but the title eventually made sense. “Initially, the story wasn’t titled ‘Andaaz’ at all. I wrote a script with a fresh take on a love triangle, layered with a strong social undercurrent. Music has always been an important element in my films, and this subject gave me scope to create a rich musical experience. Once the second version of the story was complete, I wondered what to title it—and thought, why not call it ‘Andaaz 2’? It’s not a direct sequel but carries the spirit of the original.”
Darshan strongly believes that filmmakers must take responsibility for shaping the industry's future and that includes launching fresh talent. “It’s my duty to bring newcomers into the industry. When a 57-year-old actor plays a 25-year-old character, it feels odd. As filmmakers, we mold ourselves to our stories, regardless of our age—but unfortunately, stars don’t have that same privilege.”
Reflecting on his past work, he adds: “When I worked with Amitabh Bachchan in Ek Rishtaa, he was 58. Even then, he fully embraced his role. Today, we see 68-year-old actors who are unwilling to play the role of a father.”
Darshan expresses concern over the current creative stagnation in Hindi cinema, emphasizing the urgency of bringing in new energy and perspectives. “Cinema is dying. That’s the harsh reality. But when you bring in new people, you see the surprise and the spark. They are fresh, the music is vibrant, and when guided by a good director, the result is beautiful.”
While Darshan supports evolving styles and modern presentation, he emphasizes the importance of grounding stories in Indian values. “You can tell your story in any way, but it must be set in the environment it belongs to. Whether it’s costumes, mannerisms, or the way youth speak today—it all needs to be relevant. In our hearts, we are still Indian. No matter how much technology we adopt, if we prayed to Ram then, we still pray to Ram today.”
Directed and produced by Suneel Darshan, Andaaz 2 stars debutants Aayush Kumar, Aakaisha, and Natasha Fernandez. The film is poised to offer a refreshing mix of music, emotion, and storytelling—true to Darshan’s signature style.
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