Prakash Raj criticises Bollywood, says, ‘Hindi cinema has lost its roots, everything looks like plastic’

Prakash Raj said that according to him only Malayalam and Tamil cinema are making very strong films at present.

Updated on: Jan 25, 2026, 17:51:18 IST

By Santanu Das

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prakash Raj has worked in several Bollywood films like Singham (2011), Dabangg 2 (2012), and Wanted (2009), to name a few. However, the National Award-winning actor feels that mainstream Hindi cinema has lost its roots, becoming increasingly “fake” and “money-oriented". Prakash was speaking at the ongoing ninth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), where he shared his opinion on Hindi cinema. (Also read: Vijay says he won't bow down to pressure amid Jana Nayagan censor row, CBI questioning: ‘Cup mukkiyam Bigil’)

Actor-politician Prakash Raj has shared his disappointment with Hindi cinema. (X/@prakashraaj)

What Prakash Raj said

As per the latest report by news agency PTI, Prakash said, “In the present context, I feel Malayalam and Tamil cinema are making very strong films... Hindi cinema, on the other hand, has lost its roots. Everything looks beautiful, wonderful, like plastic, as you see in the Madame Tussauds museum. We (the South) still have stories to tell; the new young directors of Tamil are talking about Dalit issues. And that gives so much hope."

‘I feel the industry has lost its connection with the audience’

He added, “After multiplexes, the Bombay film industry started making films only for multiplexes. Very cute films and things like that. Because they were running well. They went into that Page 3 culture, and with that lost touch with rural Rajasthan and Bihar… Today, it’s all about money and appearances -- reels, page 3 coverage, and loud self-promotion. In the process, I feel the industry has lost its connection with the audience.”

Prakash Raj was last seen in the Hindi film Tere Ishk Mein, where he essayed the character of Dhanush's father. He will be seen next in the political action drama Jana Nayagan. It will mark Vijay's final release as an actor. The film was set for release earlier this month but was delayed due to censor issues. A new release date is yet to be announced.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Santanu Das
Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupechaRead More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.