Producer Allu Aravind blames Mumbai filmmakers’ limited worldview for Bollywood’s bad patch: ‘They are locked between Bandra and Juhu’

Producer Allu Aravind also discussed the shortcomings of Hindi cinema, attributing them to a cocooned existence and a narrow worldview of filmmakers in Mumbai.

Allu Aravind shared his view on Hindi film industry: (Pic: aha videoIN/YouTube)

Allu Aravind, one of the most influential and successful producers in South Indian cinema, known for backing films with mass appeal, recently shared insights on the widespread success of South films, even their dubbed versions, in the North. He also discussed the shortcomings of Hindi cinema, attributing them to a cocooned existence and a narrow worldview of filmmakers in Mumbai.

Speaking at the South India Film Festival held earlier this year in March in Hyderabad, Aravind highlighted the shift in the Pan-India phenomenon from the 90s to the present day. He said, “Now, the gates are open (smiles). The material, which is being produced in this part of India, is being received very well by audiences all-India. Our dubbed films are, in fact, too well-received there (in the Hindi-speaking markets). This means that the content made here is (appealing there). Then, you might argue that content is being made even there, so why it’s not (working in the same manner as our films). I have a slightly controversial answer to this. But this is what I feel and I should be honest.”

Commenting on Hindi filmmakers, Aravind remarked, “I respect Bombay filmmakers and their level of thinking. It’s too good. But at the same time, they are somewhere locked between Bandra and Juhu! They are brought up in Bandra and Juhu and their culture and vision are like that. Hence, they are also making films like that. They need to realise that UP and Bihar are also there. Why are films made in Telugu and Tamil being more liked by the Bihar and UP people? This is because of the content. There’s no separate love for us.”

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He added, “Now, I spoke to a couple of people (in the Hindi film industry). I don’t want to name them. They have realised and are trying to make (films that appeal to a larger audience). This specific recognition of the South will soon disappear as our Bombay filmmakers also make (mainstream, appealing films). I think all-India films will be made by all industries now, whenever they pick up a content and a budget to that regard.”

Allu Aravind, who is also the father of movie star Allu Arjun, has produced several iconic films throughout his career. His notable projects include Bantrothu Bharya (1974), Subhalekha (1982), Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu (1989), Mappillai (1989), Master (1997), Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) and others.

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