Filmmaker: Vikram Bhatt proves that his mentor Mahesh Bhatt has permanently stepped down from directing, revealing that the veteran’s return for ‘Sadak 2’ was a one-time exception driven by a personal promise, not a sign of things to come.
Why Mahesh Bhatt is back for ‘Sadak 2’
Speaking to News18, Vikram Bhatt has no doubts about Mahesh Bhatt’s upcoming directorial venture. “No chance! He’s done,” he said. The veteran director originally declared ‘Kartoos’ (1999) to be his last film as a director before returning 21 years later to helm ‘Sadak 2’, starring his daughters Alia Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt.Vikram Bhatt offers insight into what prompted the unexpected comeback. “I think, it was a promise he made to Mukesh Bhatt. He said he would only direct if someone else was in charge,” he said. He added, “I haven’t talked to him about it, but the impression I have is that he takes the reins when it’s needed.”
Mahesh Bhatt continues to write and produce
While the director’s chair is firmly behind him, Mahesh Bhatt remains an active force in the industry as a writer and producer. Over the years, he has written stories for many of Vikram Bhatt’s films, including ‘Kasoor’, ‘Raaz’, ‘Inteha’, ‘Judaa Hoke Bhi’, and ‘Bloody Ishq’.Vikram Bhatt credits his mentor’s restless energy for keeping him going. He shared, “He works because he’s a very active person. He has nothing else on his mind and he can work 24 hours a day. So he does it but it’s not something that lifts his soul or he needs it to survive. He’s been through everything. He doesn’t need anything.”
Vikram Bhatt talks about Mahesh Bhatt’s sense of humour
Their long-standing creative partnership has almost exclusively produced horror films and thrillers. Asked why they haven’t ventured into lighter territory, Vikram Bhatt was blunt. He said, “Boss, as I call him, is too serious for a comedy. I don’t think he thinks of comedy. But he has a very good sense of humor. And he has done some good ones like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Duplicate, but his go-to emotion is neither comedy nor horror.“Vikram also spoke warmly about Mahesh’s collaborative spirit. He added, “He always supports my thoughts.
Vikram BhattHopefully in 3D : Echoes of the Past’
Vikram Bhatt’s latest directorial, ‘Haunted 3D. Echoes of the Past’, starring Mahakashay Chakraborty, released in theaters on June 12, 2026. Despite a mixed critical reception, the film crossed Rs 15 crore at the box office.