Regional cinema should be at par with Hindi cinema: Radhika Apte

Radhika Apte talks about the growing popularity of regional movies, how the Baahubali series has changed the way we look at regional movies and more.

Regional cinema has lately been gaining popularity in India and audiences across the country are opening their minds to movies from other parts of the country. The success of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a great example of a regional movie being accepted by the masses. Actor Radhika Apte, who has worked in regional films in seven languages, feels the regional cinema is evolving like never before.

Radhika says film-making is a team effort and not a one-man show. (HT Photo)

“Film-making is a team effort; it’s not a one-man show. Right from the script, direction and production design to the actors — everything needs to be top class to succeed with the audience,” she says.

“We can see this happening slowly. Baahubali [series] has changed the way we look at regional cinema, and Kabali (2016) broke box office records last year. A lot of Marathi films are doing well. Also, the international film circuit has opened up, and people are taking their films abroad. Regional movies are being shown at big film festivals, and that gives Indian films a good standing abroad.”

But does Radhika foresee regional cinema being on par or exceeding the reach and scale of Hindi cinema? “I don’t have much knowledge to comment on the future, but why not?” she says. “Why shouldn’t regional cinema be at par with Hindi cinema in the future? These days, the barriers have been broken down; festivals have been trying to break them down for years. And now, with the digital platforms, you have so much material available to watch in various languages. Also, the Hindi film industry is supporting regional cinema and taking part in it. I am sure regional cinema should be at par with Hindi cinema.”

Radhika Apte will next be seen in Bombairiya.

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