South vs Hindi films? Nagarjuna says it is all just a phase

The discourse surrounding the current dominance of South Indian cinema over Hindi films has gained traction, more so in recent years. While actors and filmmakers from both sides have weighed in their opinion, celebrated Telugu actor Nagarjuna asserts that these trends are merely cyclical.

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During an interview with Galatta Plus, when asked if Hindi films have “lost it”, the actor said, “These narratives keep changing.” He noted that a few underwhelming years in an actor or filmmaker’s career can be falsely attributed to a collapse in the industry. “It's like an actor or director had four or five years of bad times... and then they say the whole film industry is gone. It is not like that.”

Drawing comparisons with his own experience in the industry, he said, “In my time, in the Telugu film industry, it has happened four times. And I believe the next time will come now, very soon. I'm very sure, it's my hunch.”

When asked if he agrees with director Naga Vasmi’s belief that there is going to be a “bloodbath” in the future due to the decline in the quality of films made, Nagarjuna partially disagrees.

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“It's not going to be a bloodbath,” he said. “Have you seen suddenly films like Tourist Family in Tamil or Court in Telugu working so well, or Anaganaga on OTT?” he asks, noting the shift from action and thrillers—which was a much sought-after genre earlier.

“The cycle is coming around. People's tastes are changing, and we need to keep that in mind. They have to change fast,” the 65-year-old said, warning that if filmmakers do not adapt to the quick transitions, things could go south. “I feel that's what happened in Hindi. Now they'll change and they’ve already started the process. It will happen in Tamil and Malayalam, it will happen. It can’t be fantastic all the time.”

 

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