Actor says genre may have ‘started and finished’ with him in Indian cinema but remains open to return

Indian actor Saif Ali Khan recently went viral for his take on romcoms in Bollywood, calling many modern films in the genre “failed experiments.”

In an interview to promote his new film Kartavya, the actor spoke to Indian media outlets about romantic comedies in Bollywood, saying the genre worked well in earlier years but has now become less relatable for audiences.

Khan, who became known for his performances in Kal Ho Naa Ho and Hum Tum, noted that romcoms played a major role in building his popularity. However, reflecting on the changing landscape of cinema, he said, “I loved doing romcoms, but I feel they were like an anomaly in Indian cinema which might have even started and finished with me in a sense.”

He also noted that audience preferences have evolved over the years. “A romcom is technically this confused privileged guy who has everything on his plate, but is still confused, so people don’t really connect with it now,” he said.

Instead, the actor highlighted the growing popularity of action and drama films, saying, “The same story is being told in a much more intense narration now. It’s not just enough to tell the story, it has to shake you up.” Despite this, he clarified that he has not ruled out returning to the romcom genre and would still consider projects that carry “emotional value.”

Khan currently stars as a police officer in the 2026 crime drama film Kartavya.