Kiran Rao decodes why South movies are giving Bollywood a run for its money: 'Even their horror films...'

Filmmaker Kiran Rao candidly discussed the Bollywood vs South Cinema debate and said that she finds a "sense of conviction" when it comes to telling stories in South films.

In a conversation with ANI, she said, "I watch a lot of Malayalam films, and what I'm always struck by is how they really seem very bold in their story choices. 'Uleri', which was released last year, is such a bold story idea. Even their horror films, like I saw a film called 'Bramayugam,' which is a Mammootty film, incredibly artistically made using folk tales and the folklore of Kerala, and it's a very different idea. There is a sort of a sense of conviction about telling stories that are different. And I think that's what stands them in great stead."

Kiran, however, shared that the makers in South cinema are ready to take chances as it's a small industry, and they know their audience very well. "It's the chances that they are taking with the stories they are telling, and perhaps that also comes from the fact that they are usually smaller industries that are technically only catering to their own, culturally, their language and their community. And so they are quite unafraid to try different things. They know their audience, and their producers are willing to take chances on new storytelling," she added.

She said what is incredible is that "the audience is going to watch films," and the makers are "very much in touch with their audience. They understand their audience very well." However, she shared that Bollywood is big, and while making the movie, filmmakers keep in mind that they have to cater for a "wider audience". "You are making films for a diaspora, you are making films for all the states of the country. And I think maybe that is why people want to make something that they are very sure will succeed, and maybe that's why there's a tendency to go to a film that's already successful, like a remake," she said. She insisted that it is important to have "producers who are willing to take a chance" if you are willing to have a different cinema.

Rao started her career as the assistant director in the epic film 'Lagaan', directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, whom she also assisted later on 'Swades: We, the People'. Lagaan was nominated for the 74th Academy Award in the foreign language film category. Aamir Khan produced and starred in the same film. Before 'Lagaan', she also played a minute role as a supporting actress in 'Dil Chahta Hai'. She has directed the films 'Dhobi Ghat' (2011) and 'Laapataa Ladies' (2024).

(This story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from ANI)