A verbal exchange occurred between producers Boney Kapoor and Naga Vamsi. Both were participants in the producers' roundtable organized by Galatta Plus, during which Boney discussed the international performance of films from South India. He noted that "Telugu films have a distinct market in the United States, while Tamil films are particularly well-received in Singapore and Malaysia," further stating that "the Gulf region is, of course, a cosmopolitan area." In response, Naga Vamsi remarked that the Gulf region represents a "significant market" for Malayalam films.

Naga Vamsi asserts that the perspective of South Indians regarding films has evolved

He subsequently remarked, "One point, sir, that you must acknowledge is this: it may come across as quite severe. We, the South Indians, have transformed your perspective on cinema. Previously, you in Bollywood were confined to producing films aimed at Bandra and Juhu audiences. The shift became evident with the releases of Baahubali, RRR, Animal, and Jawan."

Boney expresses a differing opinion and discusses Allu Arjun

Boney shook his head and stated that Naga Vamsi was "incorrect in that regard." Naga Vamsi interjected, highlighting that during the discussion about films, Boney had mentioned Baahubali and RRR, both Telugu films, following his reference to the "historical" Mughal-E-Azam, yet he had not acknowledged any Hindi films.

In response, Boney remarked, "In this discussion, we cannot delve into every detail of our knowledge. We must speak in more general terms. When I refer to Mughal-E-Azam, Baahubali, and similar titles, it is not that I have overlooked other films. I am well aware of them and can easily list their names. However, I do not believe that Telugu cinema has imparted lessons to Indians. Such influences have always existed. Even the lead actor of Pushpa 2, Allu Arjun, expressed his admiration for Amitabh Bachchan, rather than stating that he is a fan of NT Rama Rao."

Boney discusses the concept of barriers

Boney remarked that the distinction lies not in the language itself but rather in the quality of content, emphasizing the concepts of "good" and "bad" as well as what audiences are able to appreciate, regardless of whether it is Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, or Bengali cinema. Naga Vamsi reiterated that in recent years, several films that have achieved significant commercial success in Hindi, such as Baahubali, RRR, KGF 2, Kalki 2898 AD, and Pushpa 2: The Rule, have been directed by Telugu filmmakers. In response, Boney pointed out that Naga Vamsi seems to be overlooking notable films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Gadar, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

About Naga Vamsi and Boney's films

Naga Vamsi has been involved in the production of films such as Bheemla Nayak and Rang De (2022). Additionally, he co-produced Jersey (2022) and has also worked on Tillu Square, Lucky Baskhar, and Gangs of Godavari this year.

Boney has a notable filmography that includes productions like Woh Saat Din (1983), Mr India (1987), Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993), Judaai (1997), Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000), No Entry (2005), Mom (2017), and Maidaan (2024).

Read Also: Anurag Kashyap Critiques Bollywood: "Films Like Manjummel Boys Would Never Be Made Here"

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