Filmmaker Vetrimaaran talks about acceptance of regional films

Renowned filmmaker Vetrimaaran attended the second edition of the CII Daksin Summit recently. He shared his views on the Indian film industry, importance of local mainstream films and the need for them to be accepted by a wider audience. The event was also attended by Prem Rakshit, the choreographer for ‘Naatu Naatu’  and Kartiki Gonsalves, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker.

Vetrimaaran stated, “We have been talking about the so-called pan-Indian film; the films that are made for a wider audience. But what I really respect about the films that became nationwide success is that they were not made to appease or manipulate the larger audiences who are beyond the place of origin of the films. Be it KGF or RRR or Kantara… if it is a Kannada film, it was not made with a Kannada hero, Tamil comedian, and a father or mother from the North.”

He further explained, “Earlier, there was a generic approach in films like if there’s a wedding, it was very generic so it can be relatable to all kinds of audiences. However, now, these filmmakers are making films for their audience, about their culture, and in their style. That’s why it becomes a hit universally. We should tell our stories, but emotions become universal. Earlier, we tried to tell larger stories and universal themes, which we failed in a way. In these recent years, that’s the change that has come out.”

He also believes recognition is more important than winning Oscar for mainstream films, “More than getting an Oscar, I think taking our mainstream films that are made for our people… taking those films and making it a success across the world is the real development and evolution. South Indian films have created an impact in terms of revenue generation because we are telling our stories, for our people, with our people. Other industries are not able to do that because they are trying to cater to everybody.”