Bollywood vs. South Indian films is a long-drawn debate that just took a break in recent years. Multiple collaborations were seen between Hindi and South films, creating hits like Jawan, Animal, Merry Christmas, Kalki, Devara, and so on. However, Anurag Kashyap has triggered a fresh wave of debate about Bollywood’s filming culture with his latest comment on Hindi films.
He seems to be disappointed with Bollywood and plans to relocate to South films in the coming years. In an interview with a reputed media house, he said, “I envy them (South filmmakers). Because now, it’s difficult for me to go out and experiment. Because now, it comes at a cost. Which makes my producers think about profit. They’re like, ‘Where are my margins? I’m losing money.’
I’m like, ‘You don’t want to make this movie? Don’t make this movie. But I just cannot.’ Because right from the beginning, before the film starts, it becomes about ‘how do we sell it?’ So the joy of filmmaking is sucked out. That’s why I want to move out. Literally, next year, I’m moving out of Mumbai.”
His rant on Bollywood’s commercial aspects highlights Hindi film producers prioritizing profits over good scripts. Anurag Kashyap has been acting in South films for some time now and knows how the environment is down south. He feels the South film industry is quite ‘stimulative’ regarding stories and filming.
So, we can clearly see his motivation to move South for better opportunities and a better environment. In recent years, Bollywood has always acquired South film remake rights after the movie got hit. A calculative movie that Kashyap highlighted in the interview with an example of Chidambaram S. Poduval’s ‘Manjummel Boys.’
A Malayalam survival thriller that became a massive hit in the South, which Bollywood acquired for a remake. So clearly the Hindi film industry is not interested in creating something new or experimenting with new scripts; instead, it sticks to making huge bucks from movies.
What are your thoughts on Bollywood’s lack of creativity and remaking South films for profit purposes? Share with us your buzzing opinions on this topic.
