లోకేష్కు ప్రమోషన్..! సీనియర్లను పక్కన పెట్టేసినట్లేనా..? | Off The Record

For decades, the Indian film industry was perceived as Bollywood-centric, but the tide has shifted in recent years with South Indian cinema gaining prominence on national and international stages. Films like Baahubali, Pushpa, and KGF have not only achieved commercial success but also broken barriers, even earning accolades like an Oscar win. However, this rise has not been without controversy, as some Bollywood filmmakers continue to downplay the achievements of their Southern counterparts.

In a recent roundtable discussion, a Telugu producer criticized Bollywood for catering primarily to audiences in upscale areas like Bandra and Juhu, sparking a heated debate. Adding fuel to the fire, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan commented on the success of South Indian blockbusters like KGF 2 and Pushpa 2, claiming that South Indian cinema is “not progressing” because it adheres to an “old-school format of song, action, dialogue, and emotions.”

Roshan’s remarks were met with widespread criticism on social media. Many pointed out the flaw in generalizing the diverse film industries of South India—spanning Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema—under the blanket term “South.” Others highlighted Bollywood’s own struggles with formulaic narratives, contrasting them with South Indian cinema’s innovative storytelling and technical excellence.

Rakesh Roshan, known for helming films like Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish, appears to have overlooked Bollywood’s recent reliance on outdated tropes and poorly executed narratives. In contrast, South Indian cinema has delivered a blend of traditional and modern storytelling, captivating audiences with films that balance commercial appeal and artistic innovation.

Critics of Roshan’s statement argue that while formulaic filmmaking exists across all industries, South Indian cinema stands out for pushing creative boundaries. Films like Rangasthalam, Kantara, Manam, Eega, and the upcoming Kalki 2898 AD have redefined genres and captivated global audiences. The success of these films underscores the industry’s ability to marry strong narratives with technical brilliance, a feat Bollywood has struggled to replicate in recent years.

South Indian cinema’s unique storytelling approach, enhanced by advancements in technology and fresh narratives, has set it apart. While debates about regional cinema will persist, the undeniable fact remains: South Indian filmmakers have consistently delivered some of the most path-breaking and commercially viable films in India today.

If anything, the criticism should prompt introspection within Bollywood rather than unwarranted generalizations about the South. The true progress of Indian cinema lies in celebrating and learning from the diversity and innovation each region brings to the table.