Priyadarshan: “Comedy Should Not Punch Down”

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, known for blending humour with storytelling across genres, believes that comedy must never come at the cost of the less powerful. As he prepares for the release of Bhooth Bangla, he reflects on the evolving nature of humour and his approach to filmmaking.

Having explored everything from comedies like Hera Pheri and Hungama to intense dramas like Kaalapaani and Kanchivaram, Priyadarshan says humour has always been his constant. “That humour is the reason I have sustained for over 45 years,” he notes, even as he balances diverse genres including thrillers and action films.

Talking about Bhooth Bangla, he describes it as a fantasy horror-comedy rooted in logic and Indian folklore, aiming to balance tension and laughter. According to him, the key to effective comedy lies in sincerity. “Actors should remain serious; the situation should be funny,” he says, adding that he avoids double-meaning dialogues and forced humour.

He also explains the difference between pure comedies and horror-comedies, noting that the latter allows audiences to release tension through laughter, making humour land more effectively.

Reuniting with Akshay Kumar after 16 years, Priyadarshan praises the actor’s natural, everyday comic sensibility, which makes him relatable. He contrasts this with Paresh Rawal’s theatre-honed instincts, highlighting how both bring distinct strengths to comedy.

Addressing changing audience sensibilities, the filmmaker acknowledges that certain older comedic themes may not work today. “Comedy can’t be at the expense of those less powerful,” he emphasises. “If you deliberately mock or rely on cheap humour, it becomes problematic.”

Ultimately, Priyadarshan believes in making “harmless comedies” that connect with the childlike joy within audiences, proving that humour, when handled with care and empathy, remains timeless.