LANGUAGE NO BAR!
The coming days will see a number of directors from various regional language film industries making their way into BTown. We take a look
Unity in diversity has always been a part of India’s philosophy. Now, what’s interesting to note is the fact that the Hindi film industry too is seemingly following the same ethos, as directors from a number of regional language film industries are making their way into Bollywood. In 2016, Marathi film director, Ravi Jadhav debuted in Hindi cinema with Banjo, and now the list is set to get longer.
ALL ABOUT STORIES
For starters, Sandeep Reddy Vanga — who directed the big Telugu hit Arjun Reddy — is set to helm the Hindi remake as well, which will star Shahid Kapoor. Also, Mikhil Musale — who directed the Gujarati film, Wrong Side Raju — will direct Rajkummar Rao in Made In China. Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Sher Shah (based on Kargil war hero, Vikram Batra) will be helmed by Tamil film director, Vishnuvardhan.
“Why not?” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. “Every director is a storyteller. And if they have interesting stories to share, they should be most welcome. Also, directors from different regions bring in a unique set of sensibilities, making it an interesting mix. Remember SS Rajamouli’s great vision vis-à-vis Baahubali films?”
HUMAN EMOTIONS
Probably that’s why Hindi film-makers are more than game to bank on directors from various regions. Sairat director, Nagraj Manjule is making his Hindi debut with Jhund that will reportedly star Amitabh Bachchan in the lead. Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se has been directed by Punjabi director, Navaniat Singh. Also, Rishi Kapoor- Jimmy Shergill starrer Jhootha Kahin Ka is being helmed by Smeep Kang. Akshay Kumar’s Kesari is being directed by Jatt & Juliet director Anurag Singh while Rohit Jugraj of Sardaar Ji series fame is directing Arjun Patiala. In the past too, names such as LV Prasad, K Raghavendra Rao and K Balachander had a great tryst with Hindi films. So, the big question is: why the sudden deluge? “Fortunately, regional films’ storytelling standards as well as quality of films have shot up in a big way. That’s why they have caught Hindi producers’ eyes. And if a film-maker — regardless of the language barrier — has a great story to tell, why not? Human emotions don’t change. Also, it’s a step up for these directors as they can reach out to a much bigger audience,” says exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi.
Directors also admit to be “excited to be in a newer space”. “It has been happening for many years now. Mumbai has a lot of diversity in its cuisine and even music space, so why not films (smiles)? Barring th language, human emotions as well as film-making remain the same,” says Telugu director Krish, who is busy with the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Manikarnika.