Milap Zaveri Credits John Abraham for Career Revival: “He’s My Hulk”

Filmmaker Milap Zaveri has credited actor John Abraham for playing a pivotal role in reviving his career during a difficult phase marked by a series of underperforming films.

Speaking to Variety India, Zaveri expressed gratitude for their collaboration, saying, “I love John Abraham. I always say he’s my Hulk.” He added, “For me, he is someone who resurrected my career at one point when I had given quite a few flops.”

The duo previously worked together on Satyameva Jayate and its sequel, both of which were action-driven films designed for mass appeal. Zaveri also shared that he would readily collaborate with Abraham again if the right script comes along.

Mass Cinema’s Enduring Popularity

Zaveri also weighed in on the resurgence of mass entertainers in Bollywood, asserting that such films have always resonated most strongly with audiences.

“Mass cinema has always been the most consumed cinema in this country,” he said, pointing to iconic classics like Sholay and Mughal-e-Azam, as well as recent blockbusters such as Jawan, Pathaan, and Gadar 2.

He noted that while Bollywood experienced a phase dominated by urban love stories catering largely to NRI audiences, large-scale commercial entertainers never truly lost their appeal.

Highlighting regional cinema’s influence, Zaveri added, “The South industry never stopped making those kinds of films,” suggesting that Hindi cinema is now returning to a formula that consistently connects with viewers.

The Power of the Theatre Experience

For Zaveri, the essence of mass cinema lies in the collective viewing experience. He emphasised the irreplaceable energy of watching films in theatres filled with cheering audiences.

“I feel that the experience of watching a film in a theatre where the audience is clapping, whistling, and cheering is indescribable. I don’t think anything else can replicate or replace that feeling,” he said.

He also pushed back against the notion that mass entertainers are less artistic, stressing that they deserve equal respect within the cinematic landscape.

What’s Next for Milap Zaveri

On the work front, Zaveri is currently working on an untitled project starring Harshvardhan Rane and Akanksha Sharma. The film is being produced by T-Series.

While details about the project remain under wraps, Zaveri continues to focus on larger-than-life storytelling rooted in theatrical impact and audience engagement. A potential reunion with John Abraham remains on the cards if a suitable script emerges.