Tollywood superstar and newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, has stirred conversation with his candid take on the current state of Indian cinema. In a recent interview with Organizer Weekly, the actor-turned-politician expressed disappointment with what he sees as Bollywood’s gradual detachment from Indian cultural roots, contrasting it with the cultural sincerity he believes South Indian cinema continues to uphold.While discussing how filmmaking has evolved across the country, Pawan Kalyan criticised Bollywood for being overly influenced by globalisation and commercialism. He remarked:“Over time, it changed due to filmmakers that came from different generations. Especially, Hindi cinema was influenced by globalisation. Since then, there are some movies which created buffoonery out of culturally connected characters.”The ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ star pointed out that South Indian films—including those from Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam industries—have managed to stay more deeply rooted in Indian traditions and values. He praised these regional cinemas for preserving “Bharateeyata” (Indianness) amidst the growing commercial pressures of the entertainment world.“Nowadays, South Indian films are representing Indian culture more. It has been done in Hindi cinema for a certain period. For example, if you see Dangal, it represents Indian culture,” he added.While not dismissing Bollywood entirely, Pawan acknowledged rare exceptions like Aamir Khan’s Dangal, which he described as a “rooted film with a connection to Indian culture.” However, he lamented that such films have become increasingly rare in the Hindi film landscape.A Cultural Standpoint from a Political PowerhouseNow holding a key political position in Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan’s opinions carry significant weight both within and beyond the entertainment industry. His statements underline a growing sentiment among regional film enthusiasts who believe that mainstream Hindi cinema has strayed too far from Indian ethos in the pursuit of global appeal.On the Acting Front: Big Releases AheadDespite his political responsibilities, Pawan Kalyan remains active in films. His long-awaited period action drama ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu’ is finally slated to release on July 24, 2025. Fans can also look forward to his gangster drama ‘They Call Him OG’, which hits theatres on September 25, 2025. Additionally, he is currently filming the much-anticipated cop drama ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh.’With bold opinions and blockbuster projects on the horizon, Pawan Kalyan continues to command attention—both as a cinematic force and a political voice deeply rooted in Indian values.
