‘We can't be divided as south or north cinema': Karan Johar

Indian Express

08-05-2025

'We are collectively making Indian cinema, and we can't be divided as south or north cinema. We can't be broken. We stand tall and we are together,' said director-producer Karan Johar on Thursday at WAVES 2025. He was moderating a panel discussion on 'Cinema: The Soft Power' which has actors Kareena Kapoor and Vijay Deverakonda as speakers.
Talking about the integration of Indian cinema, Johar said, 'The majestic crossover of south Indian cinema started with SS Rajamouli-directed Baahubali: The Beginning (2015).'
While Baahubali set the stage for Indians watching more and more south Indian language movies, Rajamouli's RRR (2022) boosted global positioning of Indian cinema, stated the Khabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham director.
Seconding that, Deverakonda said, 'Today, actors and producers based in Mumbai and those working in south Indian industries share a close relationship. We should work together to increase distribution of cinema.'
Speaking about the global impact of Indian films, Kapoor recounted how once a cab driver in London sang to her songs from the movies made by her grandfather, legendary Raj Kapoor, beautifully. 'Films helped India build cultural relations,' she said.
Suggesting ways of consolidating the power of Indian cinema, Deverakonda said: 'If we have to take on the giants of the world, we have to be united. The collection of Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan (2023) crossed Rs 1,000 crore. So did, Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rise. Now imagine the impact if they collaborate. If we have the ambition to grow, the only way forward is collaboration.'
Johar cited that such collaborations are in the offing. Action-thriller War 2, scheduled to be released on August 14, features Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. 'Look at the star power. War 2 is going to explode at the box office,' he said.
When asked to pick one film that showcases Indian cinema, Kapoor chose Jab We Met while Johar mentioned Pyaasa (1957) and Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959). 'They resonate with the audience even today,' Johar said.
Though Deverakonda didn't pick any single movie, he said a movie showcasing India should feature great music, food and textile. 'The world should watch Indian films across genres,' the Arjun Reddy actor added.