10 Directors Who Made A Comeback

Sometimes, it is a self-imposed sabbatical.

Sometimes, it is a lack of opportunities.

Sometimes, it is the making of a film that takes the longest time.

Film-makers usually take a few years in between films. But there are some who return to direction after many more years.

Joginder Tuteja looks at 10 film-makers who returned to direction after a long time.

Mahesh Bhatt, Sadak 2
21 years after Kartoos in 1999

Mahesh Bhatt's last major directorial outing was Kartoos , starring Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff and Manisha Koirala, in 1999.

The same year also saw his much-delayed release, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan.

Twenty-one years down the line, he is ready with Sadak 2.

Rakesh Roshan, Krrish 4 (2022)
9 years after Krrish 3 in 2013

Though the release date of Krrish 4 is yet to be announced, it is likely to arrive in 2022.

That would make it nearly a decade after Rakesh Roshan's previous outing Krrish 3.

Ayan Mukherjee, Brahmastra (2021)
8 years after Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in 2013

If Ayan Mukherjee had his way, Brahmastra would have probably released a while ago.

Years in the making, the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt-Amitabh Bachchan starrer has been going through a long VFX process.

For the man who delivered a major blockbuster in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, this is a long wait.

Rajkumar Santoshi, Bad Boy (2020)
7 years after Phata Poster Nikhla Hero in 2013

ajkumar Santoshi delivered a flurry of hits like Ghayal, Damini and Ghatak.

The turn of the millennium slowed him down and post the Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz starrer Phata Poster Nikhla Hero, he hasn't had a release.

He did announce a couple of projects and even started on a few in the interim, but his eventual release is Bad Boy.

Priyadarshan, Hungama 2 (2020)
7 years after Rangrezz in 2013

Though Priyadarshan has been active in the South, he put a stop to making films in Bollywood with Rangrezz.

Now, he is getting ready for Hungama 2, which promises to bring us his staple comedy again.

Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Prithviraj (2021)
6 years after Mohalla Assi in 2015

Though Mohalla Assi released in 2018, it had been ready since 2015. This makes it a really long wait for Director Chandraprakash Dwivedi, who had earlier directed the Urmila Matondkar starrer Pinjar.

Now, his period drama Prithviraj is super hot in trade circles, ith Yash Raj Films backing it.

Kunal Deshmukh Shiddat: Journey Beyond Love (2020)
6 years after Raja Natwarlal in 2014

When he started his career with Jannat and Jannat 2, it seemed like Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt had introduced yet another fine director in the industry.

Even though Raja Natwarlal (starring Emraan Hashmi once again) was entertaining too, it did not work.

Now Kunal Deshmukh makes his comeback with Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan, Mohit Raina and Diana Penty in Shiddat.

Karan Johar, em>Takht (2021)
5 years after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016

Karan Johar likes to have gaps between his films and hence, it isn't surprising that he hasn't called the shots since his hit Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Had things stayed on track, he would have started shooting for his Takht.

The original release plans was Christmas 2021, but with the current pandemic, one waits to see if the film happens.

Shakun Batra, Yet untitled film (2021)
5 years after Kapoor & Sons in 2016

A Karan Johar protégé, Shakun Batra delivered two hit films for Dharma Productions, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and Kapoor & Sons.

One would have expected him to bring out his third film soon, but it has been a long wait for the youngster.

Now, he's making his next with Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday.

Dibakar Banerjee, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar
5 years after Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! in 2015.

Dibakar Banerjee's last release was Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! with Sushant Singh Rajput.

He has completed Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar and the promo had been unveiled just before the lockdown.

Unfortunately, the film's release has been pushed back to a later date.