EXCLUSIVE: Shashank Khaitan Feels Rom-Com Are Not Given The Respect They Deserve; Says, “It’s As Difficult To Make Homebound As Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari”

Director Shashank Khaitan is riding high on the success of his latest film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf, and Sanya Malhotra. He shared his thoughts on where his kind of light-hearted, family entertainment fits in a time when trends like horror-comedies or action thrillers dominate.

Shashank Khaitan Says ‘No Genre Is Easy To Create’

When asked if such films still have space in today’s changing industry, he said, speaking to Bollywood Bubble, “Everyone loves every genre of film, and I think all genres should get made, or a director should choose the genre, whatever they’re good at. And having said that, directors should also experiment. There is no harm, for example, an Imtiaz Ali saying I want to make a comedy and not necessarily a coming of age film. I think everyone should have the leeway to do it. I think sometimes when we start repeating other people’s success formula, it is not necessarily an individual decision.”

Shashank also spoke about how sometimes success formulas are repeated just because they seem safe. “Kabhi kabhi kya hota hai, ek cheez chal jaati hai toh even producers, platforms, or directors think, ‘This is a safe zone. Let me do this.’ So I think it can come out of that as well.”

He pointed out that comedy and rom-coms are not given the respect they deserve. “Over the last few years, it’s become cooler to say that only films full of pain are good films. That’s not true. People think comedy films can be made by anybody, but these hard-hitting films or stuff are the only ones which show great acting potential. I don’t think so, that’s the truth. But there has been a kind of attitude towards it. Hollywood is suffering with from it. Oscar-nominated films don’t get watched because people are like, Which are these films? We have never seen these movies.”

Talking about awards and critics, he added, “Popular films often don’t get nominated. I think all journalists and critics have a role to play. No genre is easy. It is as difficult to make a Homebound as it is to make a Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.”

In the end, he reminded everyone, “Genres don’t matter. Every story deserves to be taken seriously.”

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On the work front, Shashank’s upcoming film as a director is Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan, Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, and Maniesh Paul, amongst a stellar cast. It is produced by Dharma Productions and Mentor Disciple Entertainment and is set for a worldwide theatrical release on Dussehra, October 2, 2025. He is also creating a Netflix series, Single Papa, starring Kunal Kemmu and Neha Dhupia.

He has also teamed up with Luv Ranjan as a producer for Anuj Saini’s Friendship Comedy Film With Luv Ranjan, Starring Kunal Vaid and 5 others. The film will be produced by Luv Ranjan and Mentor Disciple Films.

For more news and updates from the entertainment world, stay tuned to Bollywood Bubble.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shashank Khaitan Sheds Light On Bollywood Insider-Outsider Debate; Says, “Bichare Sidharth Malhotra Ko Bhi Humne Nepotism Bana Diya Hai”

Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.