Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan recently spoke openly about how comedy films in Bollywood have changed over the years. Known for delivering some of Hindi cinema’s biggest comedy hits like Judwaa, Coolie No. 1, Raja Babu, and Partner, the director said that filmmakers today have to work under many restrictions, especially while making comedy movies.
David made these comments during a special conversation with his son, actor Varun Dhawan, at the launch of the David Dhawan Film Festival organised by PVR INOX. During the discussion, the veteran director explained that comedy today is very different from the 1990s, the period when many of his blockbuster films were released.
Talking about censorship and changing audience expectations, David said filmmakers can no longer portray women in a disrespectful manner onscreen. He shared that if such scenes are included in films today, the censor board immediately raises objections and sends detailed notices regarding restrictions. Because of this, he has become more careful and sensitive while writing and directing female characters. However, he jokingly added that he can still do almost anything with male characters in comedy films.
David Dhawan started his film journey as an editor in Saaransh, directed by Mahesh Bhatt. He later became a director with Taaqatwar. Although his early films did not perform well at the box office, he finally found success with Shola Aur Shabnam. After that, he became one of Bollywood’s most successful comedy directors with films like Hero No. 1 and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
After directing 45 films over a career spanning nearly four decades, David admitted that age and health have started slowing him down. He said he still enjoys making films and believes he can direct several more movies, but he also wants to focus on his health and spend more time with family. Recently, filmmaker Karan Johar hinted that David may retire after his upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde, and is scheduled to release in theatres on June 5.