Veteran filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi is busy with the promotions of his upcoming film 'Gandhi Godse Ek Yuddh' these days. This is going to be his first film since the 2013's Shahid Kapoor starrer 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero'. In a recent promotional interview, Santoshi talked about the decade long career gap and also expressed his displeasure regarding cinema which is based around a hero and not on ideas.

He told The Indian Express, "The nine years gap was a conscious decision. In those times a lot of people approached me with work but everybody wanted to make a film around a star. The first question they’d ask me is ‘kaun hai star?‘. That’s ridiculous for I’ve always believed in content. People should ask the director what they want to do; what is the subject and the story. The second question should be which actor you plan to cast, whether it is going to be a newcomer or an established star. These points are important, need to be considered before making a film. I’ve made a lot of films, and the film’s subject has been of the first and foremost concern.”

He continued, "When I attempted a film like China Gate, it was a very big film, budget wise. We had a big star-cast and our main stars were Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Danny Denzongpa, Amrish Puri, all veterans because the story was of veterans, underdogs, retired army personnel. It is the subject that calls the shots. That is why I was a little upset that every time people wanted me to cast a big star and make a film around him. So I said no, I did not want to work on the dictates of the so called corporate houses or producers who just want to glorify the hero, make a film around a star.”

'Gandhi Godse Ek Yuddh' is set to release theatrically on republic day.