Actor-turned-politician and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has sparked fresh conversation in the Indian film industry by praising Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ and offering a nuanced take on the long-standing North vs South cinema debate. In a recent interview, Kalyan emphasized that the divide is not about geography, but about cultural representation and rooted storytelling.
🎬 “Dangal Represents Our Culture”
Kalyan hailed Dangal as a rare example of Hindi cinema that authentically reflects Bharatiya values without relying on religious or commercial tropes.
“It is about a very native character, very rooted… there is a strong connection with ‘Bharatiya’. There’s no element of religion, but it still resonates deeply,” he said.
He noted that such films are few and far between in mainstream Bollywood, which he believes has increasingly lost touch with India’s grassroots audience.
🌏 South Cinema’s Rising Resonance
Kalyan argued that South Indian cinema is now more representative of India as a whole, largely because of its rural connect and cultural authenticity.
“Seventy to eighty percent of the market is rural. Whether knowingly or strategically, South filmmakers maintain that connection,” he explained.
He added that while urban-centric stories have their place, films that reflect the aspirations and struggles of everyday Indians tend to resonate more widely.
🗣️ A Call for Inclusive Storytelling
Kalyan’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the dominance of South Indian films at the national box office and the evolving identity of Indian cinema. He urged filmmakers across regions to focus on stories that reflect India’s diverse cultural fabric, rather than chasing formulaic success.
Stay tuned for more insights from India’s leading voices in cinema and culture.
