Bhatt began his career as an assistant to Hindi director Raj Khosla. He often took inspiration for his films from his own personal life and experience, like highlighting personal narratives of illegitimate birth and extra-marital romance in critically acclaimed films such as Arth (1982), Janam (1985) and Naam (1986). Bhatt’s films show an unusual engagement with the psychological damage arising from infringement of social norms, situations which are characteristic deep mental/emotion damage and trauma. These films provided challenges of characterization to their actors, who included both parallel and mainstream stars. Bhatt himself is known for making both art films with realistic topics and commercial films which include a wide division of action, comedy and thriller films.

As Director :

1. Kartoos (1999)
2. Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan (1999)
3. Zakhm (1998)
4. Angaaray (1998)
5. Duplicate (1998)
6. “Kabhie Kabhie” (1997) TV Series
7. Tamanna (1997)
8. Dastak (1996)
9. Chaahat (1996)
10. Papa Kahte Hain (1996)
11. Naajayaz (1995)
12. Criminal (1995)
13. Milan (1995)
14. “A Mouthful of Sky” (1995) TV Series
15. “Swabhimaan” (1995) TV Series
16. Naaraaz (1994)
17. The Gentleman (1994)
18. Tadipaar (1993)
19. Gumrah (1993)
20. Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
21. Sir (1993)
22. Gunaah (1993)
23. Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993)
24. Junoon (1992)
25. Saatwan Aasman (1992)
26. Sadak (1991)
27. Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991)
28. Saathi (1991)
29. Swayam (1991)
30. Jurm (1990)
31. Aashiqui (1990)
32. Awaargi (1990)
33. Daddy (1989) (TV)
34. Kabzaa (1988)
35. Siyasat (1988)
36. Thikana (1987)
37. ‘Kaash’ (1987)
38. Aaj (1987)
39. Naam (1986)
40. Aashiana (1986)
41. Janam (1985) (TV)
42. Saaransh (1984)
43. Arth (1982)
44. Abhimanyu (1980)
45. Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979)
46. Naya Daur (1978)
47. Vishwasghaat (1977)
48. Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain (1974)
49. Sakat (????)

As Producer :

1. Gangster (2006) (producer)
2. Aisa Kyon Hota Hain (2005) (producer)
3. Footpath (2003) (producer)
4. Raaz (2002) (executive producer)
5. Do Rahain (1997) (executive producer)
6. Gudgudee (1997) (executive producer)
7. Papa Kahte Hain (1996) (producer)
8. Bhairavi (1996) (executive producer)
9. Sardari Begum (1996) (executive producer)
10. Haque (1991) (producer)
11. Naya Daur (1978) (producer)

As writer :

1. Woh Lamhe (2006) (story)
2. Gangster (2006) (story)
3. Nazar (2005)
4. Zeher (2005) (screenplay)
5. Rog (2005)
6. Murder (2004) (as Mahesh Bhat)
7. Paap (2003) (written by)
8. Inteha (2003)
9. Footpath (2003) (screenplay)
10. Jism (2003) (written by)
11. Gunaah (2002) (screenplay)
12. Raaz (2002) (written by)
13. Kasoor (2001) (written by)
14. Sangharsh (1999)
15. Zakhm (1998) (screenplay) (story)
16. Dushman (1998) (screenplay)
17. Dil Kitna Nadan Hai (1997)
18. Tamanna (1997) (story)
19. Haque (1991) (screenplay) (story)
20. ‘Kaash’ (1987) (story)
21. Janam (1985) (TV)
22. Saaransh (1984) (dialogue) (screenplay) (story)
23. Arth (1982) (written by)

As Actor :

1. Ho Sakta Hai (2006) (voice)
2. Haque (1991)
3. Andhi Gali (1984)