Telugu Producer Naga Vamsi Criticizes Bollywood's Focus on Bandra and Juhu, Boney Kapoor Responds

In a recent discussion on Galatta Plus, Telugu producer Naga Vamsi, known for films like Guntur Kaaram and Devara, made bold claims about Bollywood's direction. He argued that the Hindi film industry has become fixated on creating films that appeal primarily to the affluent audiences of Mumbai's Bandra and Juhu. Vamsi further stated that South Indian cinema, especially Telugu films, has influenced Bollywood's approach to filmmaking, citing the success of films like Baahubali, RRR, Animal, and Jawan as major turning points.

His remarks were met with a firm rebuttal from producer Boney Kapoor, who disagreed with Vamsi’s assertion. Kapoor, during the conversation, emphasized that Bollywood's diverse market spans various regions, including the United States, Singapore, and the Gulf, and that these global markets were a significant source of business. When Vamsi challenged Kapoor’s views by highlighting the influence of Telugu cinema, Kapoor responded, “I don’t believe Telugu cinema has taught us. I know those films, but it’s not like that.”

The debate centered around mass entertainers and the evolving tastes of audiences, with Vamsi noting that today’s films are no longer confined by language barriers. He cited the success of Marathi films like Sairat and the widespread admiration for Bollywood stars across South Indian cinema as evidence of this shift. Both Vamsi and Kapoor acknowledged the changing dynamics of the film industry, shaped largely by the rise of OTT platforms.

Vamsi’s remarks about Bollywood's stagnation were part of a broader conversation on the changing landscape of Indian cinema, with both producers recognizing the influence of regional films and the diverse tastes of modern audiences.