At a recent trailer launch event, veteran actor, director, and writer Saurabh Shukla took a reflective pause, revisiting the legacy of his cult classic Satya—a film that redefined realism and grit in Indian cinema. As Satya completes 27 years, Shukla not only paid tribute to its enduring impact but also opened up about the ever-changing nature of action films in Hindi cinema.
When asked how the action genre has transformed over the years—from the rawness of Satya to the stylised spectacles of Pushpa, KGF, Animal, and the upcoming Malik, Saurabh Shukla offered a candid and thoughtful response.
“I think it’s ever evolving, the world keeps evolving… but I’m really happy about it. Main ek chhota sa kissa aapko batata hoon. Main jis samay yahan aaya tha—I came in 1993—us waqt ek formula tha filmon ka. Satya uss formula ko todti thi. Tab kaha jaata tha ki kahaani aise likhni chahiye… but aaj, jis daur mein hum hain, mujhe ek producer mila aur unhone kaha, ‘Saurabh bhai, aap kuch likhiye… waise jaise uss waqt likhte the na, uss tarah ka kuch likhiye.’”
The statement not only reflects his nostalgia but also underlines how audiences and filmmakers have grown. Shukla emphasized that today’s commercial action cinema is no longer just about loud stunts and stylised violence — it now embraces realism, layered characters, and artistic nuances.
“Malik, for instance, is a commercial, action-packed film. But there’s an abundance of realism and artistic value. That’s a great thing — pehle baant diya jaata tha ki yeh art cinema hai, ismein nuance hai. But aaj ki filmon mein dekhiye, inke andar bhi itne nuances hain jise play karne mein actors ko maza aata hai, filmmakers ko kehne mein maza aata hai. This is, I think, a great evolved thing which has happened.”
Saurabh Shukla’s words serve as a reminder that cinema is a living organism — shaped by changing times, evolving audiences, and a newfound respect for storytelling. From the realism of Satya to the grand-yet-nuanced storytelling in films like Malik, the Indian action genre has come a long way and according to Shukla, the journey is only getting richer.
