Bollywood veterans like Chunky Pandey are lauding the industry’s shift toward extensive role preparation, marking a surge in professionalism in Indian cinema. In June 2025, during promotions for Housefull 5 in Mumbai, Pandey highlighted how actors now dedicate months to mastering roles, a stark contrast to the spontaneous approaches of the 1980s and 1990s, driven by workshops, dialect training, and immersive research across India’s film hubs.
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A Shift Toward Methodical Craft
Pandey, a 38-year industry veteran, told , “Today, actors do a lot of preparation for movies. Earlier, they didn’t really prepare. Now, it’s a very good thing.” This evolution reflects a “scientific” approach, with actors like Ananya Panday, who trained in Punjabi dialect for over a year for Kesari Chapter 2, exemplifying the trend. Workshops, script readings, and character immersion are now standard, replacing the improvisational style of yesteryear. Pandey himself has embraced this, preparing rigorously for roles in Detective Sherdil and Housefull 5, released in June 2025.
Industry-Wide Professionalism
Veterans like Boman Irani and Prosenjit Chatterjee echo Pandey’s sentiments, noting that detailed preparation enhances storytelling. The rise of pan-India films like RRR and Kannappa demands authenticity, pushing actors to study regional cultures and languages. For instance, Alia Bhatt’s intensive training for Gangubai Kathiawadi set a benchmark, inspiring younger actors. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh credits this professionalism to Bollywood’s global ambitions, with 2025’s ₹3,500 crore box office reflecting polished productions.
Impact of Diverse Platforms
The growth of OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, alongside theatrical releases, has amplified demand for nuanced performances. Pandey noted, “This is the golden time of cinema—big-screen, OTT, YouTube offer so many options.” Actors now train for varied formats, from First Copy’s gritty realism to Housefull 5’s comedic chaos, ensuring versatility.
A Professional Future
With 364 Hindi films produced annually and a 33% box office share, Bollywood’s focus on preparation signals a maturing industry. Veterans like Pandey see this as a cultural shift, blending tradition with modern rigor, ensuring Indian cinema competes globally while retaining its emotional core.
-By Manoj H