In an insightful interview with BrandEquity, Hrithik Roshan shared the guiding principles behind HRX Films and what it takes for a story to earn the green light under his banner. Central to his philosophy is the director’s full embrace of the script, which Hrithik considers non-negotiable.
Speaking about HRX Films, Hrithik explained, “HRX Films is a division of FilmKraft because that’s where I learned the craft. HRX operates as a sweet spot between the commercial sensibilities of my dad’s school and content that’s rich in emotions and nuance. It’s about blending both these worlds.”He elaborated on the kind of cinema HRX aims to create: “Some big commercial films are communal experiences—you watch them with an audience, feel the energy, the claps.
But then there are films you watch alone that move you deeply, bring catharsis, make you cry and change you from within. That cathartic journey is often missing in commercial blockbusters. HRX Films is an attempt to bridge that gap and find a sweet spot that delivers both.”Hrithik credited his cousin Eshaan for his key role in curating projects: “Eshaan identifies scripts, names, directors, and filters them before bringing them to me.
Sometimes I don’t like a script initially, but he holds onto it for 6-8 months and brings it back. By then, my perspective has shifted, and I’m better able to see the script’s beauty.”On producing Storm, Hrithik praised director Ajitpal Singh (known for Tabbar), saying, “When I met Ajit, I immediately connected with his creative mind. I told him honestly, ‘Whatever you make, I’m with you.’”
Regarding creative control, Hrithik was emphatic: “You’re a fool if you think you can inject your genius ideas into a film without the director’s acceptance. Trying to push something or force it on a director who doesn’t believe it fits is self-sabotage. Only the director knows what the entire painting looks like and whether a particular color or stroke belongs.”
Finally, Hrithik reflected on Indian cinema’s growing global footprint—from Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty’s popularity in Russia to Aamir Khan’s success in China and the worldwide impact of RRR. He identified a common thread in these successes: “There’s an ingredient of integrity, conviction, and an unadulterated vision. These films stay true to the singular vision of their director.”
