The cinema landscape in India has been abuzz with the soaring successes of South Indian films, while Hindi cinema struggles to find its footing. Renowned actor Aamir Khan recently weighed in on this disparity, attributing the triumph of South Indian cinema to its filmmakers’ ability to infuse their stories with strong emotions – an element he believes Hindi filmmakers have overlooked. At an event celebrating his contributions to Indian cinema, Khan shared his insights on this pressing issue, joined by esteemed lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar.
During their conversation, Akhtar posed a question that has been on everyone’s mind: what makes South Indian films tick, while Hindi films are finding it tough to draw in audiences? Khan’s response was thought-provoking, suggesting that Hindi writers and directors often aim to entertain a more refined audience, forgetting their roots in the process. He emphasized the importance of embracing a wide range of emotions, from the intense to the subtle, citing revenge as a potent emotion that resonates with viewers. In contrast, he noted that distrust is a weaker sentiment, less captivating for audiences. Khan emphasized that Hindi cinema tends to focus on specific aspects of life, rather than exploring the broader spectrum of human experiences.
The actor also discussed the difference in approach between South Indian and Hindi filmmakers, particularly when it comes to catering to their audience. Khan pointed out that South Indian films often receive more screen space in single-screen theaters, whereas Hindi filmmakers tend to focus on the multiplex crowd, which represents a smaller, niche group of viewers. He recalled the shift in the film industry with the advent of multiplexes, which led to the creation of a specific type of film catering to this new demographic. Khan believes that Hindi filmmakers may have become too focused on producing “multiplex films,” characterized by a more subdued tone, in contrast to the grand, loud, and broad-stroke approach often seen in South Indian cinema.
Aamir Khan and Javed Akhtar are set to collaborate on the upcoming film “Lahore 1947,” starring Sunny Deol in the lead role. As the Hindi film industry navigates its current challenges, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers respond to Khan’s thoughts on reclaiming their roots and embracing a wider range of emotions in their storytelling. With the lines between regional cinema and mainstream Bollywood continuing to blur, one thing is certain – the Indian film landscape is due for a significant shift, and it will be fascinating to watch it unfold.