Randeep Hooda says writing feels most freeing

Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda has shared that writing brings him the most creative joy. He said writing is the most “liberating” part of his work because it comes without pressure. “You’re pulling something from nothing and putting it on paper. That’s the most freeing experience,” he said.

While he enjoys directing and acting, Randeep said acting allows him to focus just on performance. “As an actor, I don’t have to worry about the managing part of directing. I can just focus on the little details,” he added.

Randeep made his directorial debut with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar in 2024. The film, which he also co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in, is a biopic of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

He is now working on Matchbox, an American action comedy film. It stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, and others and will release in fall 2026.

Randeep is also producing and acting in Operation Khukri, based on a 2000 real-life Indian Army rescue mission in Sierra Leone. The movie is based on a book by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia and tells the story of 233 soldiers trapped behind enemy lines.