Oct 21, 2026 3:00pm IST
From Farah Khan To Farhan Akhtar: Hindi Directors Whose Next Films Are Long Awaited
While the Hindi film industry churns out a great number of films every year, some prominent directors have been missing in action, with their last releases having made it to screens years ago.
R Balki
The filmmaker whose films are concept-driven with a perfect blend of humor and emotions is awaiting a theatrical venture post “Ghoomer,” which landed in cinemas on August 18, 2023.
Farhan Akhtar
The actor-filmmaker has been trying to make a return as a director; however, his two upcoming directorial projects, “Jee Le Zaraa” and “Don 3” have been stuck due to casting, schedule clashes, and various other reasons. His last directorial was “Don 2,” which was released on December 23, 2011.
Farah Khan
The choreographer-turned-director known for making massy movies like “Main Hoon Na,” “Om Shanti Om” and “Happy New Year” has taken a break from filmmaking while doing ads and vlogs. However, in her recent vlog, she spoke about making a comeback and might start working on her new project by year-end.
Sujoy Ghosh
Known for his atmospheric storytelling, along with mystery and thrilling elements, Sujoy Ghosh was supposed to make a directorial comeback with Shah Rukh Khan’s “King.” However, he later stepped down and was replaced by Siddharth Anand. While he has been credited for the story and screenplay, cinegoers are still awaiting his directorial comeback. His last theatrical release was 2019’s “Badla.” His two OTT projects, “Blind” and “Lust Stories 2,” premiered in 2023.
Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar has mastered the art of exploring human relationships and contemporary Indian society with films like "Luck By Chance," "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara," "Dil Dhadakne Do" and "Gully Boy." While she has been busy creating content for small screens in recent times, audiences are keenly awaiting her return with a big screen project. Her last theatrical release featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt was released in 2019.
Ashutosh Gowariker
Ashutosh Gowariker is known for historical and cultural films like “Lagaan,” “Jodhaa Akbar,” “Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey,” Mohenjo Daro” and “Panipat,” along with films with human and social-themed titles including “What's Your Raashee?” and “Swades.” However, the filmmaker has been on a break as a director since his last “Panipat” came on Dec. 6, 2019. It is reported that his next directorial is with Aamir Khan’s next, titled “Lalkaar,” which is going on floors this October, but nothing has been officially announced.
Shimit Amin
The low-key filmmaker, who is known for making character-driven flicks like “Ab Tak Chhappan,” “Chak De! India” and “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year,” has been staying away from cinema, with the latter being released in December 2009. However, the filmmaker is set to make a comeback with Kartik Aaryan’s “Captain India,” which is set to hit the screens during the Independence Day weekend in 2027.
Related Stories
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Ashwiny is known for making rooted and small-town stories like “Nil Battey Sannata,” “Bareilly Ki Barfi” and “Panga.” Despite her unconventional approach, the director effortlessly blends the narrative with mainstream elements, making her filmography impressive and interesting. However, she has not been making stories for the big screen, as her last theatrical release was Kangana Ranaut’s sports drama, which premiered in January 2020.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Known for his visual storytelling style with the theme of nationalism and resilience, Mehra’s filmography includes memorable titles like “Rang De Basanti” and “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.” Nevertheless, it's been a while since the filmmaker has come up with a cinematic spectacle, as his last box office release was in March 2019 with “Mere Pyare Prime Minister.”
Rakesh Roshan
With commercial and massy blockbusters like “Kishen Kanhaiya,” “Karan Arjun,” “Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai,” “Koi... Mil Gaya,” “Krrish” and “Krrish 3” under his credit, Roshan has been staying away from direction as his last helmed film came in Diwali 2013.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.