Bhatti subsequently acted and directed the popular TV series "Ulta Pulta" and "Nonsense Private Limited" for the Doordarshan television network. What attracted audience to his shows was his gift of inducing humour to highlight everyday issues of the middle class in India. Bhatti's satire on the Punjab police "Mahaul Theek Hai" (1999) was his first directorial venture for a full-length feature film in his native Punjabi language. It was well received amongst audience for its simple and honest humour. He played the role of Jolly Good Singh, a guard, in the movie "Fanaa". He played a comical college principal in "Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe". He also starred in the comedy Punjabi film "Jijaji".