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Adivi Sesh: How COVID Democratized Indian Cinema & Telugu Films' Emotional Core

Actor-director Adivi Sesh credits the COVID-19 pandemic for accelerating the popularity and democratization of regional Indian cinema, as audiences explored films from other languages. He asserts that non-Hindi film industries have historically produced excellent work, but their reach is now on par with major industries. Sesh highlights the unique strength of Telugu cinema, which he says stems from its "emotional ownership" as it is largely funded by individual producers rather than corporate studios. He notes that even big-budget Telugu films are often backed by passionate individuals who have invested personal assets.

Key Points: Adivi Sesh on Rise of Regional Cinema & Telugu Film's Strength

  • COVID-19 boosted regional film popularity
  • Non-Hindi industries have always done amazing work
  • Telugu cinema driven by emotional ownership
  • Films produced by individuals, not corporate studios
2 min read

Adivi Sesh: Non-Hindi film industries have always done well

Actor Adivi Sesh discusses how COVID-19 boosted regional cinema popularity and the unique emotional ownership driving Telugu film industry.

Adivi Sesh: Non-Hindi film industries have always done well
"That one movement... democratized everything for other languages. - Adivi Sesh"

Mumbai, March 26

Actor-director-writer Adivi Sesh, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film 'Dacoit', has said that non-Hindi film industries have always done well, historically.

The actor spoke with IANS during the promotions of the film, and said that the surge in liking towards regional cinema has been catalysed by Covid-19.

He told IANS, "I think in general, non-Hindi industries in India have always done amazing work. You know, the Bengali film or Malayalam film, Tamil film, Telugu film. I think that the difference has been that the popularity of film is now on par. You know, a film from anywhere in India can be just as popular as a Telugu film or a Hindi film today. And I think that's the beautiful part. That's sort of inherent globalization caused by COVID where everybody was forced to, you know, because they'd run out of films in their own languages".

"So they started watching other films, dubbed into their languages or with subtitles. That one movement, what it did was it democratized everything for other languages", he added.

Earlier, the actor had spoken up on the strength of Telugu cinema. He shared that unlike other film industries of India, Telugu cinema has a strong emotional core because it isn't still ruled by the corporates.

When asked what separates Telugu cinema from other industries of India, he told IANS, "I think emotional ownership. And I'll tell you what I mean by that. Telugu cinema till date is still produced by individual producers. Someone might have mortgaged a house and he's come to produce a film, someone sold a piece of land, and he's come to produce a film. Someone did well for himself in real estate or she's a doctor and she's come to produce a film. Whatever it may be. These are the people who are producing even our INR 300, 400, 500 crore films".

The actor shared that films in Telugu are not produced by studios.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As a Telugu person, I appreciate him highlighting the emotional core. Our films, even the big budget ones, often feel like they come from the heart, not a corporate boardroom. But let's not forget the amazing work from Bengal and Kerala for decades!
R
Rohit P
True that! The lockdown made me discover Kannada cinema. The content is so rich. Bollywood could learn a thing or two about original scripts from the South industries.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. I'm an expat living in Bangalore, and my Indian colleagues have been recommending regional films. The subtitles have been a game-changer for understanding the cultural nuances. It's a beautiful way to see the diversity of India.
K
Karthik V
While I agree with the sentiment, I feel he's slightly overstating the "democratization". Hindi films still get the widest release and marketing budgets. A small-budget Marathi or Assamese film still struggles for screens outside its home state. The playing field isn't level yet.
M
Meera T
Good points by Sesh. The heart of Telugu cinema is its connection to the people. When a producer mortgages his house, he's betting on a story he believes in, not just a formula. That passion shows on screen. All the best for 'Dacoit'!

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