Director, writer, and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who has made many memorable and great films for Bollywood, recently expressed his desire to leave and work in South cinema. His decision surprised not only the industry but also the fans. However, given the current success of the South industry and its influence on Indian cinema, this decision does not seem very unexpected.
In the last few years, South cinema has given blockbusters like “Baahubali,” “RRR,” “Pushpa,” and “KGF” which were appreciated not only in India but across the world. Anurag’s move has once again fuelled the debate on why South cinema has overtaken Bollywood. Let’s take a look at the 6 major reasons that explain this change:
Here are 6 reasons why South cinema has overtaken Bollywood
1. Unique and powerful stories
The biggest strength of South cinema is its stories. The films there can keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. Whether the budget is big or small, the content always brings a new experience to the audience.
Films like “Baahubali,” “KGF,” “Pushpa,” and “RRR” won the hearts of the pan-world audience on the strength of the story.
On the other hand, Bollywood often seems to repeat the same formula, which has bored the audience.
2. Creative freedom and the courage to take risks
South filmmakers are not afraid to take risks with creative freedom. They embrace new ideas and stories, whether the film’s small or big budget.
Creativity has been limited in Bollywood due to commercial pressure and safe bets.
For example, South films feature local and new stories, while Bollywood often shows the same old stories or remakes of the South.
3. The magic of culture and locality
South Indian films are deeply connected to their cultural roots.
Films like “Kantara,” “Pushpa,” and “Baahubali” gave regional culture international recognition.
In contrast, Bollywood lacks locality in its pursuit of global appeal, which is why audiences are unable to connect with these stories.
4. Cinematic vision and direction are amazing
South filmmakers emphasize cinematic vision and technical excellence.
Directors of films like “Baahubali,” “RRR,” and “KGF” make films with a big vision, which gives the audience a grand experience.
In Bollywood, commercial appeal is given more importance than cinematic vision.
5. Dependence on remakes vs original content
Bollywood’s remake culture raises questions about its creativity.
Most of the films in the South industry are based on original stories, while Bollywood is dominated by remakes of South and Hollywood.
The Bollywood remake “Sarfira,” released in 2023, was a flop, while original South films are achieving global success.
6. The era of OTT and global appeal
OTT platforms have given the audience countless options. South films, based on local-global connections, are performing well there, too.
On the other hand, Bollywood content is also performing average on OTT.
South is now making films with not just pan-India but pan-world appeal.
Can Bollywood regain its shine?
Bollywood was once the centre of Indian cinema, but now it has lagged in understanding the changing preferences of the audience.
The move of stalwarts like Anurag Kashyap to South cinema indicates that Bollywood has to change its creativity and way of storytelling.
The audience now has options like OTT and South cinema, and they prefer quality and innovation.
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