Vishal Bhardwaj Says “Cinema of Heart and Sensibility” Struggling in Theatres

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj has expressed concern over the declining space for “cinema of the heart and sensibility” in Indian theatres, highlighting the challenges faced by films that focus on storytelling and nuance.

Speaking on the current state of filmmaking, Bhardwaj said that even in the pre-OTT era, good cinema faced hurdles. Today, with streaming platforms and commercial pressures, filmmakers are often told their films should release in theatres first—but the reality remains tough for content-driven projects.

“The casualty of this trend is cinema of the heart and sensibility,” the director of O’ Romeo added. He noted that two decades ago, raising funds for films like his Haider, Vikramaditya Motwane’s Udaan, or Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur was comparatively easier, and such films were celebrated by discerning audiences in theatres.

Bhardwaj’s comments underscore the growing tension between commercial viability and artistic storytelling in the modern Indian film industry.