Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 23: Acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, best known for his celebrated Shakespearean trilogy — Maqbool, Omkara and Haider — has said that the current cinematic landscape would not allow him to make a politically bold film like Haider today.

Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film O’Romeo, Bhardwaj reflected on the changing dynamics of the Hindi film industry over the past decade, particularly with the growing influence of OTT platforms. While he acknowledged that corporate backing was never a hurdle for him, he admitted that creative balance has shifted in recent years.

“I think it was fine when corporates were there. But now, ever since OTT platforms came in, even that balance has started to be lost,” Bhardwaj said. Recalling that Haider was made in 2014 with corporate support, he added, “I don’t think I can even make an ‘H’ of a film like Haider in today’s time.”

Bhardwaj clarified that he has never had issues working with corporate studios and credited them for backing some of his most ambitious projects. However, he hinted that the present ecosystem, shaped by changing market sensitivities and platform-driven content strategies, has made it increasingly difficult to mount politically daring narratives.

Widely regarded as a filmmaker whose works gain stature over time, Bhardwaj’s films have become cultural touchstones in contemporary Indian cinema — Maqbool for its existential depth, Omkara for its inventive storytelling, and Haider for its fearless political commentary. His remarks have once again sparked discussion on creative freedom and evolving constraints in today’s film industry.