Sanjay Gupta on why Bollywood stopped making gangster dramas and shares an update on 'Kaabil 2': 'Audiences want more'

Gangster dramas once formed a powerful pillar of Hindi cinema, delivering gritty stories rooted in the underworld. Films such as ‘Satya’, ‘Company’, ‘Aatish’ and the ‘Shootout’ franchise, ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ and ‘Shootout at Wadala’, developed loyal followings and cult reputations.

Director Sanjay Gupta, known for shaping this space with titles like ‘Kaante’, ‘Kaabil’, ‘Jazbaa’, ‘Zinda’ and ‘Mumbai Saga’, believes the genre has reached saturation. Gupta pointed out that audiences began to find the narratives repetitive over time, reducing demand.Gupta explained that even within the ‘Shootout’ series there was a long gap because finding fresh angles became harder. According to him, filmmaking ultimately depends on profitability, and gangster stories attract only a narrow demographic.

He noted that such films perform strongly mainly in Maharashtra and a few urban centres. "Ultimately, movies are a business… this genre by itself does well only in Maharashtra and maybe some of the metro cities," he shared with Variety India.

Sanjay Gupta on how a niche audience limits box office potential

The director emphasised that gangster films rarely draw family audiences. Unlike mainstream entertainers, these stories largely appeal to adult viewers, particularly men in the 20-35 age bracket.

Even critically acclaimed titles struggle to expand beyond that core segment. He observed that children and family groups seldom attend such films, limiting their commercial reach.Despite this, he acknowledged the strong box office performance of films like ‘Company’ and the ‘Shootout’ titles. Still, he maintained that their audience base remains restricted. "Most of them are adults… you don’t get kids, you don’t get families," he explained, highlighting why producers hesitate to invest heavily in the genre today.When asked whether he would revisit any of his earlier projects, Gupta dismissed the idea outright. He stated that his past films are already easily accessible on major streaming platforms. In his view, they continue to hold up well and do not appear dated even today. "Why would I want to go back and remake one of my films?" he remarked, expressing satisfaction with their longevity.

Sanjay Gupta shares an update on ‘Kaabil 2’

Speculation about a sequel to ‘Kaabil’ has been circulating online, and Gupta confirmed that he is prepared to move forward.

He revealed that the script is complete and awaits approval from the Roshan family. Once the green signal arrives, production can begin immediately. He also hinted that the follow-up will be darker and more intense than the original."I have the script for ‘Kaabil 2’… this time it is far deadlier than the first part," he said, adding that sequels must surpass their predecessors to justify their existence.

Sanjay Gupta praises ‘Dhurandhar’ and expectations for its sequel

Gupta also spoke enthusiastically about ‘Dhurandhar’, which he described as more than just a film.

He said he only publicly praises projects he genuinely admires, choosing silence over criticism otherwise. According to him, audiences trust his recommendations, making honesty essential. He hinted that the sequel will explore the backstory of Hamza, played by Ranveer Singh.Calling the project a cultural phenomenon, he remarked, "‘Dhurandhar’ is a phenomenon… it’s happened." His comments suggest high expectations for the franchise’s continuation.

On the box office clash with ‘Toxic’

Discussing the reported showdown between ‘Dhurandhar 2’ and ‘Toxic’, Gupta expressed disappointment that both films might release simultaneously. He believes major clashes dilute earnings for all parties involved. Drawing from experience, he recalled how ‘Kaabil’ suffered when it released alongside ‘Raees’. In his opinion, both films would have benefited from separate release dates.Gupta also pointed out economic realities, noting that many viewers cannot afford multiple theatre visits in a short span.

"Both films will do well, but neither will accomplish their individual capacity," he said.

What’s next for Sanjay Gupta?

Gupta confirmed that his next project will be announced soon, with production expected to begin within a few months. The script is ready, and casting is currently underway. While details remain under wraps, the filmmaker signalled that preparations are already in full swing. Fans can expect an official reveal in the near future.