Priyadarshan, who hasn’t had a Hindi film release in nearly 5 years now, is coming up with the Akshay Kumar starrer Bhooth Bangla. He has also Haiwaan and the much anticipated Hera Pheri 3 in the pipeline. In a recent interview, the filmmaker spoke about why he doesn’t like to make comedy films, even though they have fetched him enormous success in Hindi cinema.

Speaking to Pinkvilla, the veteran filmmaker said, “I don’t like to shoot comedy films. I have no option, so I am doing it. When you make comedy films, you are never respected as a good director. When you make a serious film, there is respect for you in the film fraternity. That is very painful to me. Why is a comedy filmmaker never accepted as a good filmmaker?”

Priyadarshan also asserted how similar prejudices occur on international level as well. “Even internationally this issue exists. They look at you as a joker when you make comedy films. That is why you rarely find comedy films winning an Oscar. This is very sad, but it’s the reality,” he added.

While asserting that he likes to make serious films, the director said, “I love making films like Kanchivaram and Kaalapaani because there I will be accepted more as a filmmaker in the film fraternity.”

Before he became a household name with iconic comedies like Hera Pheri and Hungama, the filmmaker made some poignant relationship dramas in Hindi cinema like Gardish, Muskurahat, and Virasat. In Malayalam cinema, Priyadarshan has been active since early 80s, and has directed over 50 Malayalam films to date. 

Meanwhile, Bhooth Bangla is set for a theatrical release on April 10.