Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has officially ruled out returning to the director’s chair for feature films, ending years of speculation about another return. Although he briefly returned to direct ‘Sadak 2’ in 2020 after spending decades focusing on production, the filmmaker has now made it clear that he has no plans to direct another film.In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the 77-year-old filmmaker was asked if audiences could expect him to direct again. Bhatt gave a firm answer, saying, “No,” before adding, “It’s very rewarding to talk about films so passionately.” His statement comes shortly after the filmmaker Vikram Bhatt talked about Mahesh Bhatt’s retirement from directing. Although he has moved away from directing feature films, Bhatt remains actively involved in cinema as a producer, writer and presenter.Reflecting on the evolving film landscape, Bhatt spoke about the importance of creative freedom and warned against a system where art is driven by formula rather than instinct. “Where there is life, there is vitality,” he said, before questioning the growing tendency to create films according to predetermined patterns.“There is caution when things are dictated to you. And then when you have to make content according to certain designs that have been decided beforehand, what is the role of an artist?” he saidBhatt also expressed concern about an industry increasingly influenced by algorithms and data-driven decisions. Despite this, he remains optimistic that original voices will continue to challenge the status quo.“There will always be someone out there, a bold person who will become the new piper,” he said. During the conversation, Bhatt also praised Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, describing it as a major creative milestone. According to him, the film reflects a much-needed artistic rebellion in an age where storytelling is often shaped by commercial calculations.“I think this is a moment of rebellion,” Bhatt said. He further added: “When you put your heart into it and listen to the heartbeat of the times, you see in people a longing, a thirst for something sensitive and painful that connects with their lives. No matter how dark the night, there will be renegades, there will be rebels who will come to rewrite the narrative.”Although Mahesh Bhatt has closed the curtain on his career as a feature director, he continues to contribute to the industry in other capacities. He has recently been announced as the host of ‘Naam’, which is being positioned as a spiritual sequel to his landmark 1986 film of the same name.Throughout his career, Bhatt has directed several acclaimed films including ‘Arth’, ‘Saaransh’, ‘Naam’, ‘Daddy’, ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Sadak’, ‘Zakhm’ and ‘Duplicate’. His work has consistently explored themes such as love, loss, emotional turmoil, rebellion and human relationships.While Bhatt may no longer direct films, his perspective on filmmaking and artistic expression continues to influence conversations within the industry.