The ongoing Bollywood-South cinema debate has sparked fresh controversy. Salman Khan recently said South Indian audiences don’t watch Hindi films in theaters. Nani is now pushing back.
Nani said Hindi cinema is the original, while South cinema followed. He feels South cinema’s popularity is a recent development. According to him, Bollywood has been loved across India for decades. People in the South have fond memories of Amitabh Bachchan films. Movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Dil To Pagal Hai were blockbusters in Hyderabad and other southern states.
Nani hit back at Salman, saying, “If their films don’t do well, how did they become superstars?” He believes Salman Khan’s films are culturally significant in the South. People there love him, and his movies do well. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun were cultural phenomenons. Nani recalled, “We used to play Didi Tera Devar Diwana at our weddings.”
Salman Khan’s Statement
Salman made these comments while promoting his film Sikandar. He said when his movies release in the South, they don’t get numbers because their fanbase is very strong. However, he noted that their fans don’t watch Hindi films in theaters.
Nani’s Upcoming Film
Nani is busy promoting his upcoming film HIT 3, directed by Sailesh Kolanu. The film is set to release on May 1.