Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Anupam Kher: Regional Cinema Reviving Indian Stories Overlooked by Bollywood
Anupam Kher, a famous Indian actor, thinks movies made in different languages of India, like Tamil or Malayalam, are doing a great job telling stories that feel truly Indian.
He says these regional films are becoming so popular that they're not just 'regional' anymore, but 'pan-India,' meaning they are loved all over the country and even internationally.
He feels that the main Hindi film industry, often called Bollywood, has kind of forgotten how to tell these specific kinds of Indian stories.
Kher has acted in many Indian languages and observed that these regional film industries are very well-organized and eager to be recognized worldwide.
He pointed out that after the COVID-19 pandemic, people started watching more of these regional movies and discovered their quality.
He believes that by telling these authentic stories, regional cinema is helping to remind everyone about what makes India special.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher believes regional Indian cinema is successfully reviving authentic Indian stories.
Kher stated that regional films are no longer just 'regional' but have evolved into 'pan-India cinema'.
He observed that regional film industries are more organized and aspirational, aiming for global recognition.
Kher feels Hindi cinema (Bollywood) has overlooked telling these authentic Indian stories and 'Indianness'.
The actor made these remarks on the sidelines of the Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai.
- Who
- Veteran actor Anupam Kher
- What
- Praised regional Indian cinema for telling authentic stories and highlighted that Bollywood seems to have overlooked this tradition.
- When
- Speaking recently at the Jagran Film Festival, which is currently underway.
- Where
- Mumbai, at the Jagran Film Festival.
- Why
- Kher believes regional films are more organized, aspirational, and successful in telling 'stories of India and Indianness' which Hindi cinema has seemingly forgotten.
Anupam Kher's View
Implied Bollywood Perspective
Storytelling Focus
Anupam Kher's View
Regional cinema is successfully telling authentic Indian stories and highlighting 'Indianness' that Bollywood has forgotten.
Implied Bollywood Perspective
Bollywood's focus may have shifted, potentially towards different narrative styles or broader appeal, leading to a perception of overlooking certain 'Indian stories'.
Current Relevance
Anupam Kher's View
Regional cinema is now a 'pan-India cinema' that is aspirational and globally recognized, especially post-COVID.
Implied Bollywood Perspective
Bollywood may still hold significant influence, but its role in showcasing specific 'Indian stories' is questioned by Kher in favor of regional films.
- Prominent Regional Industries Mentioned
- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali
- Actor Praising Regional Cinema
- Anupam Kher
- Languages Kher has worked in
- Almost all Indian languages, except Assamese and Gujarati
- Event Mentioned
- Jagran Film Festival, Mumbai
- Festival End Date
- November 16
Sources
Regional Languages, Global Reach: India’s Local Stories Shine in the Digital Age
Beyond Bollywood: Regional Cinema Takes Centre Stage in India
Anupam Kher highlights how regional films are reviving Indian stories that Bollywood has overlooked
