Making a comeback: Veteran directors return to filmmaking in 2026 as demand for mass-market storytelling rises

Veteran filmmakers who had been missing from active moviemaking will attempt a comeback this year to meet the need for commercial, mass-market storytelling in the smaller towns and markets. Priyadarshan, Rajkumar Santoshi and David Dhawan, primarily known for hits in the 1990s and early 2000s, are among those with new films slated for release in 2026.The urban market has reached saturation point as viewers in the metros have entertainment options including OTT and multiplexes.

Films by these directors, experts say, are crucial for box-office performance as they have the potential to penetrate down to tier-two and three markets and bring in family audiences.While Santoshi is directing Lahore 1947, a period drama produced by Aamir Khan starring Sunny Deol, Priyadarshan is directing Akshay Kumar in a horror comedy titled Bhooth Bangla. Dhawan will helm romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai featuring son Varun Dhawan.

These filmmakers were known for hits such as Ghayal, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hero No. 1 and Judwaa.“They (these directors) come from a time when every scene was designed for the big screen.

Their storytelling is simple, emotional and very mass-friendly,” said Bhuvanesh Mendiratta, managing director of Miraj Entertainment Ltd, which operates multiplex theatres. “Today’s filmmakers experiment a lot—sometimes towards OTT-friendly writing—while these older directors know how to create moments that land instantly with a theatre audience.”Young, particularly Gen Z audiences, may not know these directors by face, experts including Mendiratta said, but they definitely know their films.