Bollywood Ignored Hindi Audience, South Films Thrived: Anurag Kashyap

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has spoken openly about Bollywood’s missteps, calling out how Hindi filmmakers failed to connect with their core audience. He pointed out how this neglect opened the door for South Indian cinema to dominate, even with dubbed versions of their films.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap shared his frustration over the industry’s choices. He revealed that his popular films Gangs of Wasseypur and Mukkabaaz, which are now considered cult classics in North India, were not properly distributed in the region. “I found out during a distribution meeting that my North Indian films weren’t released across North India. The studio decided my core audience was only in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad,” he said. Kashyap called this decision “dumb,” as it completely overlooked the potential of a wider audience.

Distribution Blunders and Missed Opportunities

Kashyap shared an anecdote about a theatre owner from Bihar who desperately wanted to screen his films but couldn’t. The production house, Eros, refused to provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for the region. “They didn’t think it was worth the cost. A theatre owner from Bihar was literally begging for the film,” Kashyap added. This decision, according to him, reflects a larger issue in Bollywood—its inability to cater to Hindi-speaking audiences outside metropolitan cities.

How South Films Gained Ground

While Bollywood fumbled, South Indian filmmakers seized the moment. Kashyap pointed out the role of the YouTube channel Goldmines in making South Indian films accessible to Hindi audiences. The channel began dubbing South films and distributing them at affordable prices. Over time, this built a strong fanbase for South Indian cinema in North India.

Kashyap noted how this shift was evident with films like Pushpa: The Rise, which became a massive hit in Hindi-speaking regions. He highlighted that even the trailer of Pushpa 2 was released in Patna, showing how South filmmakers have started tapping into markets that Bollywood ignored for years.

Industry Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Kashyap’s remarks come amidst a larger debate sparked by producer Naga Vamsi, who commented on how South cinema has influenced Bollywood’s approach to storytelling. Fans and critics have been vocal on social media, discussing whether Hindi cinema is truly in trouble or if this is just a phase of evolution.

Some argue that Bollywood is slowly waking up to the importance of regional audiences. Films like Drishyam 2 and Jawan have shown that catering to diverse audiences can lead to box-office success. However, critics like Kashyap believe there’s still a long way to go.

What Lies Ahead

Bollywood’s reluctance to step out of its comfort zone has cost it dearly. South films, with their mass appeal and engaging stories, have captured hearts across the country. Meanwhile, Hindi filmmakers are left grappling with questions about their audience, relevance, and market strategies.

Anurag Kashyap’s insights might just be a wake-up call for Bollywood. If it doesn’t adapt, it risks losing even more ground to South cinema, which continues to thrive on its commitment to storytelling and audience connection