Sanjay Dutt critiques Bollywood’s shift: 'The audience needs the mass'

At the launch of the teaser event for his upcoming film ‘KD – The Devil,’ happened in Mumbai on July 10, 2025, veteran actor Sanjay Dutt shared his concerns about the current state of Bollywood cinema. He emphasized that films based on people packed with action, emotion, and larger-than-life characters are what truly resonate with Indian audiences.Dutt stated, “Bollywood has forgotten how to make massy films. The audience needs the mass.”Dutt’s comments came during a media interaction at the teaser launch, where he praised KD – The Devil for its “mass appeal” and “powerful storytelling.” According to Bollywood Hungama, he said, “The character I have played is very powerful. His relationship with his wife is very unique. It’s a massy character. Since the time I did Rocky, I have only worked for masses.”He also credited director Prem for crafting a film that blends emotional depth with stylized action, calling him “one of the most talented directors and one of the best human beings I have met.”The teaser for ‘KD – The Devil’ promises a gritty, action-packed period drama set in 1970s Bangalore. Dutt plays Dhak Deva, a formidable force bonded by blood with Dhruva Sarja’s character KD. The film also stars Shilpa Shetty and Nora Fatehi, and is being presented in five languages—Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.As noted by ‘Masala,’ fans are already calling it a “badass action and bloodbath” spectacle, with Dutt’s OG appearance drawing nostalgic praise.Dutt's comments are part of a larger discussion about Bollywood's changing identity. Many industry veterans are wondering if Hindi cinema has lost touch with its mass roots in light of the rise of pan-Indian films from the South and a growing desire for high-octane entertainers.What was his message? It's time to revive massy storytelling's swagger, scale, and essence.