South films strike big on Hindi TV

With remakes of films from south India churning numerous hits on the big screen, the small screen too has found a way to cash in on the trend of the masala entertainers.

With remakes of films from south India churning numerous hits on the big screen, the small screen too has found a way to cash in on the trend of the masala entertainers. The latest in the list is the original version of Akshay Kumar’s Rowdy Rathore (RR) called Pratighat — A Revenge, which was dubbed and aired on a Hindi movie channel. The ones who caught both movies must have marvelled at the exact scenes and stunts in both films. The trend has been triggered by big blockbusters such as Wanted, Ghajini, Ready, Singham and now RR.

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“South films are being remade in Hindi and that is getting them noticed more than before ... out of 49 movies aired every week, 7-10 are dubbed south films,” says Mohan Gopinath, business head, Zee Cinema.

Manish Sharma, weekend programming head, Colors, says, “Across GECs (general entertainment channel) and movie channels, they are making their presence felt.”

Manasi Sapre, director programming, movie channels, UTV, feels, “Audiences lap up these movies as they have a high dose of action and drama.”

South superstars Nagarjuna, Surya, Chiranjeevi and of course Rajnikanth’s movies are high on the list while Wanted’s southern version Pokhri, Ghajini and Singham’s south versions too have been aired. The dubbed titles of these films have an 80s feel. Sample some: Main Balwan, Main Hoon Rakhwala, Sabse Bada Don, Ek Ziddi, Meri Shapath, Rakhwala Pyar Ka, Aaj Ka Raavan Raj, Golimaar, Vidhwansak - The Destroyer, Ragada, Don No 1.