New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- Veteran filmmakers who had been missing from active moviemaking will attempt a comeback this year to meet the need for commercial, mass-market storytelling in the smaller towns and markets. Priyadarshan, Rajkumar Santoshi and David Dhawan, primarily known for hits in the 1990s and early 2000s, are among those with new films slated for release in 2026.

The urban market has reached saturation point as viewers in the metros have entertainment options including OTT and multiplexes. Films by these directors, experts say, are crucial for box-office performance as they have the potential to penetrate down to tier-two and three markets and bring in family audiences.

While Santoshi is directing Lahore 1947, a period drama pr...