‘Maa Behen’ Maker Suresh Triveni On Why Studios Need To Take Risks Like ‘Saiyaara’: ‘We Are a Gut-Led Industry’ (Exclusive)

The Hindi film industry has been grappling with what the audiences want to watch in post-pandemic era. Most films are not succeeding in pulling audiences into the theatres, although big budget-big star led films have had some luck, the fate of mid-budget films, in particular, is a cause of worry.  Director Suresh Triveni, who has recently released “Subedaar” mainlining Anil Kapoor on Prime Video, and following it up now with “Maa Behen” with Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri on Netflix discusses the current climate of the Hindi film industry.

He opines that producers and makers are second-guessing what will work, instead of what they should be making. Triveni believes makers need to rely more on their gut instincts. He says, “Decisions on gut feelings need to come back into the field. I think, we are a gut led industry. I feel we have become very data-centric and calculative.” 

Related Stories

‘Mid-sized Films Have Died ’: Director Suresh Triveni on the Struggles of Releasing Mid-budget Films in Theatres (EXCLUSIVE)

Producer Suresh Triveni on ‘Razaa’: “With Short Films, There Are No Great Commercial Models… You Only Have Passion’

Triveni also clubs himself into the group of makers who tend to over-analyze everything. He adds, “And, I include myself in this. I think even while approaching a subject, we think a lot about whether it will work or not. We need more individual producers. And the existing studios should take punches which are gut-based and not just example-based.”

In 2025, Mohit Suri’s “Saiyaara,” was a risky bet, with two newcomers being the face of the film. Made on an budget of less than Rs 50 crore, it went on to make close to Rs 350 crores. Triveni says, “No one gave it ("Saiyaara") chance, and look at the business it did. I feel that needs to happen more. I also feel the government should come out in support of the industry, because I think going and watching a film right now is very expensive.” He feels there should be an extended tax holiday that will boost footfalls in cinemas. “Even if it is for six months it should happen,” he reasserts.

He adds how when big films work, small films get a chance. Because the industry is cash rich and can take risks. But currently most studios are dealing with a severe cash crunch. Triveni says “I could make ‘Tumhari Sulu’ because studios could afford to take risks. I feel a tax holiday would be great as there is a need to get people into theatres to watch movies. For example, if a person has two thousand bucks, and he spends it on burgers. While he might not like the taste, it still films his or her stomach. For a film, you are risking Rs 2,000 and then you are feeling bad. That is one of the worst decisions for anyone, given that more entertainment options are available. That's why I feel that there needs to be an immediate benefit to the end consumer.”  

While Suresh Triveni grew up in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Triveni’s family hails from South India, and his mother tongue is Malayalam. He gushes about how Malayalam filmmakers are masters at the craft of telling local stories in an universal manner. Triveni says, “I know people watched a lot of Malayalam movies post-COVID but I grew up watching them. They have some terrific filmmakers like Sreenivasan, Sibi Malayil and even Priyadarshan. They are too talented. If I make a Malayalam film, I feel I will get exposed (laughs).”

He feels Malayalam movie-makers have achieved mastery over “glocal” storytelling presenting local stories in a globally appealing manner. Triveni shares he had plans to do a remake of Fahadh Faasil’s “Thondimuthalum Drisakshiyum,” (2017) but then did not did not “have the guts to go in that direction.” He adds, he loved the 2025 mystery thriller, “Eko.”

Triveni opines, “Malayalam cinema always knew the craft of storytelling but now their cinema is on another level altogether. Mahesh Narayanan’s “The Patriot”  looks terrific. He is one of the finest filmmakers we have now. Mammootty was fabulous in “Bramayugam,” Mohanlal is terrific. I would love to make one film but I hope I do not get exposed.”