Subedaar: Hansal Mehta Praises Radhika Madan Performance, Says, ‘She Deserves Better Roles’

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has strongly praised Radhika Madan and the new action drama Subedaar, describing the film as a bold spin on the commercial Hindi entertainer. Mehta highlighted how the project stands out in current releases and felt Madan’s work, in particular, shows why more substantial roles should come her way.

Subedaar is directed by Suresh Triveni and features Anil Kapoor in the central role. The cast also includes Radhika Madan as Shyama, Aditya Rawal as Prince, Mona Singh as Babli Didi, with Faisal Malik and Saurabh Shukla in significant supporting parts. The film blends intense action with strong emotional beats.

Hansal Mehta on Radhika Madan in Subedaar

Mehta reserved his most heartfelt words for Madan’s performance as the troubled yet spirited daughter. He said, “Radhika Madan deserves better than what our cinema has given her so far, better parts, better films, more opportunities. As the feisty but internally wounded daughter, she does not shy away from ugliness in service of her character. That is courage. That is craft.” He also remarked separately that “She does not shy away from ugliness in service of her character”.

While admiring Madan and Kapoor, Mehta also focused on Triveni’s unexpected shift in style. Triveni previously directed Tumhari Sulu and Jalsa, which had very different tones. Mehta felt Subedaar marks a clear break from that space, and viewed this turn towards a mass action drama as a deliberate creative risk.

Hansal Mehta, Radhika Madan and Subedaar in classic cinema context

According to Mehta, Triveni reconnects with the mood of classic Hindi cinema yet keeps a present-day voice. Mehta felt the film channels the anger and intensity linked with the ‘angry young man’ era. He mentioned that the anger recalls films such as Zanjeer and Deewar, though the storytelling feels more current.

Mehta appreciated how Triveni steps outside a comfort zone while still crafting something specific. He noted that the director nods to the unapologetic 1980s style, using sharp writing and relying on committed performances. That mix, Mehta suggested, gives Subedaar a familiar emotional core while still feeling like a fresh entry in Triveni’s filmography.

Mehta’s reaction suggests Subedaar is finding attention among viewers interested in both nostalgia and experimentation. With Anil Kapoor leading, Radhika Madan delivering a layered turn, and Suresh Triveni venturing into a different zone, the film is already prompting discussion among Hindi cinema fans.