Photo Source : Hindustan Times
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has sparked a debate on the Bollywood vs. South Indian cinema divide. In a recent interview, he criticized Bollywood filmmakers for being disconnected from their cultural roots, stating that many of them “Dream in English” and focus on Westernized storytelling, which has led to a decline in authentic narratives.
Akhtar’s Perspective on Bollywood’s Struggles
Akhtar believes that Bollywood’s creative stagnation stems from its filmmakers being second-generation migrants who grew up in Mumbai’s cosmopolitan environment. Unlike their predecessors, who were deeply connected to their regional heritage, today’s directors often prioritize spectacle over substance. He argues that this shift has resulted in superficial storytelling, with action-heavy films replacing three-dimensional characters and rooted narratives.
Why South Indian Cinema is Thriving
In contrast, Akhtar praised South Indian filmmakers for staying grounded in their culture. He pointed out that Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam directors continue to work in their home regions, allowing them to create authentic, locally resonant stories. This cultural clarity, he believes, is the reason why South Indian films are outperforming Bollywood at the box office.
The Bollywood Identity Crisis
Akhtar’s comments echo concerns raised by other filmmakers, such as Anurag Kashyap, who have criticized Bollywood’s reliance on Hollywood-style action spectacles. He noted that even South Indian blockbusters like KGF and Pushpa draw inspiration from the “Angry Young Man” genre that Bollywood once pioneered but has now drifted away from.
His remarks have reignited discussions on whether Bollywood needs to reconnect with its roots to regain its storytelling depth.
