The Rise of Pan India Films and South Indian Cinema

In the realm of indian cinema, a significant shift is taking place, driven by the concept of pan india films and the diversification of south indian movies. This shift is a result of the growing popularity of South indian films, which are now being recognized and appreciated globally. To understand this phenomenon, it is essential to explore the factors that have contributed to the rise of Pan india films and the evolution of South Indian cinema. During the 2010s, film festivals like Cannes and MAMI began to showcase South Indian films, introducing audiences to new stories, languages, and cultures. This exposure sparked a curiosity in many, and soon, the demand for more South Indian content grew exponentially. As a result, entertainment journalists like Anupama Chopra, chairperson of the Film Critics Guild, started to take notice of the changing landscape. According to Akkshay Rathie, it is the responsibility of entertainment journalists to diversify these different film industries and identify them as their own. “We can’t just say South Indian films as there are four mainstream film industries falling in the hypothetical name ‘South’,” he said. “There is Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema that have their own culture, actors, language, filmmakers, and traditions. To just call them as one shows the lack of knowledge and even if audiences may call it that, journalists should never.”
This statement resonates with Anupama Chopra’s thoughts on the matter. She believes that few films have a roar of their own and need no movie reviewer to talk of them. For instance, films like Pushpa 2 have achieved massive success, disrupting box office records, and don’t require a review to explain their appeal. However, Anupama also emphasizes the importance of reviewing small-budget films that have potential but may not receive the same level of attention. “As a reviewer, I think it’s my duty to also talk about the small-budget films that have potential and need word of mouth,” she said. “Having said that, may be it also just influences three people and don’t get me wrong, I am happy with that.”
The evolution of South Indian cinema is a complex process, influenced by factors such as linguistic and cultural diversity, historical context, and technological advancements. The rise of Pan India films has also contributed to this diversification, as it has encouraged filmmakers to experiment with new ideas, languages, and themes. Some notable examples of Pan India films that have achieved significant success include films like ‘Gully Boy’ and ‘Kabir Singh’. These films have not only gained popularity across regions but have also received critical acclaim, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian cinema. In conclusion, the rise of Pan India films and the diversification of South Indian cinema are significant developments in the Indian film industry. As entertainment journalists, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the unique characteristics of each film industry, rather than lumping them together as a single entity. By doing so, we can promote a more nuanced understanding of Indian cinema, one that values diversity and recognizes the contributions of each film industry. Definitions:
dt. Pan India films refer to films that are produced and released across multiple languages and regions within India, often featuring a diverse cast and crew.
dt. South Indian cinema refers to the film industries of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, which have distinct cultural, linguistic, and historical contexts.
dt.