In terms of the fan base, no regional movie industry can beat Bollywood. Hindi language in Bollywood gives it widest share of movie market in India. But somehow, South Indian films have carved out a loyal fan base for them in Bollywood’s den. The success of movies like Baahubali, Robot, KGF and now Pushpa are concrete evidence of them.
According to an estimate by the mint newspaper, South Indian films are set to dominate the Indian cinematic space in 2022. Estimates suggest that they will be taking up more than 50 per cent of total box-office collections. Basically, they will be overtaking Bollywood. They must be doing something which Bollywood doesn’t. Let’s see
Storylines
South Indian movies have their own style when it comes to choosing stories. The filmmakers do thorough research on the background of stories. The research makes sure that the screening does not go haywire from reality. Apart from some Masala content, their stories are impeccable. Even if they are showcasing Masala, the audience gets the sense from the trailer itself. Basically, before entering the movie hall, the audience knows whether the movie is entertainment or will it be message-oriented.
Even if they portray an alien concept to their audiences, they are grounded in reality. For example, in 2006 there was a Tamil movie called Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. It had LGBT characters in the story. The portrayal was so subtle that the audience felt like it’s something real. Now, compare this to the Dostaana movie or other LGBT characters shown in Bollywood movies. They are shown as something different from reality. The social atmosphere around these characters in Bollywood movies is exclusionary in nature.
Read more: Dear LGBT folks, Hinduism is the only religion that recognizes and respects you
Direction
Audiences know the difference between good and bad acting. Though they can not articulate it clearly, they just leave the movie hall feeling disappointed. South Indian directors have been able to put life into lifeless characters. If you watch a South Indian movie and its remake in Hindi, you will be able to notice the difference. A thorough rehearsal by directors makes sure that there is little to no subtle fault in the making. The characters, action, uniform theme of the background are some of the key areas taken care of by the South Indian filmmakers.
Acting
Nepotism is a consequence of human nature. Bollywood seems to have accepted it. But, South Indian movies stand apart. They do have their fair share of nepotism, but its nature is starkly different from that in Bollywood. In Bollywood, new talents are ousted in the first round itself. South Indian movies, on the other hand, welcome new talent. This makes sure that even the nepotistic kids are forced to give their best when it comes to their professions. If not, a long line of newbies is waiting there to replace them.
The prevalence of talented actors competing with newbies gives a totally new dynamic to the South Indian industry. Over the years, acting in south Indian movies are at a totally different level. Take for example Prabhas in Baahubali, or Vijay Deverakonda in Arjun Reddy. In fact, Vijay Deverakonda’s fame in Arjun Reddy forced Shahid Kapoor to bring on his A-game in the remake of the movie.
Sensible technology adaptation
The 21st century has witnessed the astronomical adaption of technology in cinemas. While most of the industries are still trying to chalk out a formula, South Indian movie industry is leading the charge. It was evident in the way VFX was used in Baahubali. South Indian movies use technology to integrate with real life. There is little to no distortion of observable reality while using technology. Technology use smoothens the depiction of observable reality in South Indian movies.
Promotion of cultural values
On one hand, Bollywood is going full woke and is busy disconnecting with the audience, South Indian movies are being made on archetypal story lines of India. They do not degrade the family system in the name of criticism. Celebration of Childbirth, college life, family-oriented love stories, marriages; all are depicted how traditional Hindus have done them for thousands of years. Bollywood, on the other hand, has alienated its fan base in order to please woke lobby of the west.
Read more: Wokeism is anti-evolution
Karan Johar had once termed South Indian cinema as a healthy competitor. They have broken more barriers since then. Now, Bollywood has many competitors. These include OTT platforms, the South Indian movie industry and about to be launched Noida film industry. If Bollywood refuses to improve, they are in for a Darwinian extinction.