Masti ke side effects: Emotional, grateful, bundle of nerves — Milan Milap Zaveri, awaits the release of his directorial Mastiii 4

Writer-director Milan Milap Zaveri is stepping into a full-circle moment this November with the release of Mastiii 4 — a franchise he helped build from the ground up two decades ago. Having written the first two films alongside legendary filmmaker Indra Kumar, Zaveri now takes the captain’s chair for the fourth installment.

“Mastiii 4 is very special,” he begins, reflecting on the journey. “I wrote part 1 and 2, and I started the Masti franchise as a writer with Induji (Indra Kumar). Life has come a full circle as now I'm directing the franchise. It's a big responsibility, and I'm grateful to Induji and Ashokji (Ashok Thakeria) that they’ve trusted me with the project.”

For Zaveri, the emotional weight is immense. “It is honestly an extraordinary feeling, and I'm really, really happy and grateful that I've gotten this opportunity.”

Masti Ritesh, Vivek aur Aftab ke bagair ho hi nahi sakti

Talking about the evergreen trio — Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani — Zaveri can’t help but smile. “They are the original ‘tigri.’ Umar badal sakti hai, kamar badal sakti hai, but their masti stays the same. Masti Ritesh, Vivek aur Aftab ke bagair kabhi ho hi nahi sakti. They stand for what Masti is.”

The upcoming film also sees new characters, including Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor and Shaad Randhawa, adding fresh comedic equations to the chaos.

Will Masti 4 connect with OTT-era audiences?

In a time of diverse OTT storytelling, Zaveri remains confident that audiences still crave entertainment above all. “Cinema is an entertainment medium. A film that entertains always works.” He points out how the year’s biggest box-office successes across genres reaffirm one truth, “Audiences ko entertainment chahiye. Masti has a very loyal fan base. Youth and mass audiences are excited, and hopefully we will entertain them again.”

Living up to Indra Kumar’s legacy

The biggest stress, Zaveri admits, was the weight of expectations, “I had to live up to Indra Kumar sir’s expectations. And, to the faith that this incredible cast placed in me. Taking over a franchise is a big responsibility and I hope I’ve done justice to its humour and legacy.”

The ultimate critic is the audience

The Masti franchise has had its share of debates and criticisms over the years. But Zaveri accepts them with calm. “I’m always humble and open to criticism. Everyone has a point of view. As long as it’s not biased, it’s healthy. But for me, the ultimate critic is the audience—they decide what works.”

From writing plays in school to blockbusters on screen, Zaveri’s filmmaking roots trace back to childhood. “Films were everything for me while growing up. I used to write plays for school and college competitions. Winning the best writer award in an inter-college contest in Mumbai gave me courage.”

Gradually, as opportunities appeared and his films worked on box office, his family initially worried about his unconventional career choice became his proudest supporters. “Once I started doing decently, they gained confidence.”

On Success, setbacks and reinvention

Zaveri acknowledges the highs and lows of his directing journey. “Some films worked, some didn’t — that’s how the cookie crumbles. You keep learning and improving. Satyameva Jayate, Marjaavaan and now Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat have given me the highs, and I hope Mastiii 4 carries that forward.” He is also gearing up for his next film, Tera Yaar Hoon Main —slated for release early next year.

Chandigarh, a special connection

For Chandigarh readers, Zaveri shares a warm note, “We shot Deewaniyat in Chandigarh. It was a great experience and the hospitality of the people was wonderful. I look forward to being back.”

As Mastiii 4 nears release…

With the film set to release on November 21, Milan Milap Zaveri stands at a defining crossroads — returning to a franchise he helped birth, hoping to deliver laughter to a new generation, and honouring the legacy of the filmmaker who gave him his start.

“I’m just enjoying the success of Deewaniyat and the stress of Mastiii 4,” he laughs. “Hopefully, audiences will love it just as much as they’ve loved the journey so far.”