Bollywood A-list star Rani Mukerji recently spoke candidly about the dynamics of the Indian theatrical business at Mumbai’s FICCI Frames media industry conference. Her insights shed light on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, with a particular focus on the contrasting fortunes of Hindi and South Indian films.
The Changing Tides of Indian Cinema
In a surprising turn of events, Hindi-language films faced tough competition from their South Indian counterparts in 2021-2022. Hits like “RRR,” “Kantara,” “Ponniyin Selvan,” and “Vikram” dominated the box office, challenging the usual dominance of Bollywood releases. However, the tide has since shifted back, with Hindi-language films made by South Indian filmmakers experiencing exceptional success.
Connecting with the Audience
According to Mukerji, the key to success lies in understanding and responding to the audience’s desires. As cinema evolves and tries to cater to a diverse audience, there is sometimes a disconnect between the filmmakers’ vision and what the audience truly craves. Mukerji believes that simple storytelling, which resonates deeply with the masses, often triumphs over more complex narratives that cater to a niche audience.
Unity and Collaboration in the South Indian Film Industry
Mukerji acknowledges the fascinating unity within the South Indian film industry. She admires how filmmakers stand together and support each other, attending music openings and film announcements. This sense of collaboration isn’t limited to the South; it also exists in the Hindi film industry. The beauty lies in the exchange of ideas, where South Indian filmmakers learn from the Hindi industry and vice versa. Indian cinema is evolving by drawing inspiration from within, rather than solely looking to the West for ideas.
The Power of Theatrical Releases
Mukerji’s own success story, “Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway,” demonstrates the importance of theatrical releases. Despite the growing trend of streaming platforms acquiring content-driven films, Mukerji insisted on a theatrical release and reaped the rewards. This decision reaffirmed her belief in the power of the big screen and its ability to engage audiences.
Holding Strong Amidst Changing Times
Mukerji, who is married to producer Aditya Chopra, shared how they weathered the storm caused by the pandemic. Despite the temptation to sell their completed films to streaming platforms, Chopra decided to wait and release them theatrically. Initially, their films faced commercial failures due to the shift in audience viewing habits brought about by streaming. However, their conviction paid off with the release of “Pathaan” in 2024, starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
Celebrating Indian Hits
“Pathaan” emerged as one of the biggest hits of the year, accompanied by the success of “Jawan” and “Dunki.” Yash Raj Films, the production company owned by Mukerji and Chopra, played a vital role in distributing these films internationally.
Mukerji’s conversation with veteran journalist Rajeev Masand shed light on the ever-changing dynamics of Indian cinema. While South Indian films enjoyed a period of dominance, Mukerji’s insights highlighted the value of understanding the audience’s preferences and the enduring power of theatrical releases. Indian cinema continues to evolve and grow, drawing inspiration from its own rich heritage and diverse audience.