Beyond Bollywood: Regional Cinema Takes Centre Stage in India
From Malayalam to Marathi, India’s regional films are redefining storytelling and gaining global acclaim
For decades, Bollywood has been the face of Indian cinema — dazzling audiences with song sequences, larger-than-life heroes, and stories that defined mainstream entertainment. But as the camera lens widens in today’s digital age, another vibrant world of storytelling has taken centre stage: regional cinema. From Malayalam masterpieces to Marathi gems, these films are not only thriving but reshaping the very character of Indian cinema.
This shift didn’t happen overnight. Where Bollywood once dominated screens, today’s audiences seek stories closer to reality. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and SonyLIV have broken linguistic barriers with subtitles, making regional films in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, and Marathi accessible across the globe. What were once “regional” stories are now celebrated as Indian stories.
Consider the wave that began with Baahubali. The Telugu epic didn’t just shatter box-office records; it shattered perceptions, proving that grandeur and vision weren’t limited to Mumbai. Following its success, films like Kantara and KGF from Kannada cinema, Drishyam from Malayalam cinema, and Sairat from Marathi cinema have redefined storytelling and earned nationwide acclaim.
What sets regional cinema apart is its rootedness. These films don’t chase formulas — they capture life. From the simplicity of a Tamil village to the rhythms of a Bengali household or the rugged landscapes of North Karnataka, regional filmmakers tell stories that feel real. The characters aren’t superheroes; they are reflections of us: flawed, emotional, and human.
Audiences have evolved too. Exposed to world cinema and OTT content, today’s viewers value nuanced storytelling over spectacle. Regional cinema delivers just that — rich narratives, compelling performances, and cultural textures often glossed over in mainstream Bollywood.
Emotion, after all, is a universal language. The success of films like Jallikattu, Asuran, and The Great Indian Kitchen proves that powerful storytelling transcends linguistic boundaries. International film festivals, including Cannes, Toronto, and Busan, have begun recognizing and celebrating these films.
Collaboration has further strengthened the industry. Actors, directors, and technicians are crossing regional lines — Bollywood stars appear in Tamil films, Malayalam cinematographers shape Hindi projects — breaking the silos that once divided “regional” and “national” cinema.
Beyond box-office success, regional cinema offers profound representation. It articulates local identities, dialects, and traditions often overlooked amidst Bollywood’s city-centric narratives. These films tell stories of fishermen and farmers, of ordinary dreamers — the stories that reflect the real India.
Today, the term “regional cinema” no longer implies secondary or niche. It signifies specificity, sincerity, and authenticity. These films are not the “other” India; they are India — diverse, dynamic, and deeply emotional.
The world is listening, and India’s many languages are finally being heard — not as subtitles, but as the main script. Beyond the glitter of Bollywood, India’s real stories are finding their voice — one region, one reel at a time.
The article is authored by Siftpreet Kaur, an intern from St. Joseph Degree and PG College.