Is Cinema going back to roots? | Hindi Movie News

Even as Hindi language films continue to struggle at the box office, unable to consistently draw large audiences, one thus notices that films which revolve sound regional pride, cultural identity, and folklore-driven storytelling are getting preferred . In an increasingly crowded and competitive entertainment landscape, stories rooted in regional history, myth, and legacy are not only holding their ground but, in many cases, thriving.
Ajay Devgn’s Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior perhaps set the template for this trend in recent years. Based on the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare and his legendary capture of the Kondhana Fort, the film wasn’t just another period drama — it was a celebration of Maratha pride. The film earned nearly Rs 280 crore in India. Experts noted how Tanhaji benefitted from its rootedness — it spoke directly to Maharashtrian audiences while also delivering cinematic scale and nationalism-driven themes palatable to audiences across India. It was proof that when regional pride is wrapped in commercial storytelling, it can find resonance nationwide.
If Tanhaji laid the groundwork, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara turned it into a movement. Released in Kannada with dubbed versions in other languages, Kantara was a folklore-rooted drama about the relationship between man, nature, and faith in the coastal regions of Karnataka. What started as a local success turned into a pan-India blockbuster, with the film grossing over 300 crore just in India..
The film’s visceral climax, rooted in the ancient tradition, struck a chord with audiences beyond Karnataka. It showcased how hyper-local stories, when told authentically, can cut across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Following the film’s success, Rishab Shetty announced both a sequel and a prequel, and in a new move, Shetty himself is now set to play the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an ambitious historical drama — an announcement that has already generated significant buzz.
Interestingly, the fascination with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy isn’t limited to the Marathi film industry. Bollywood too is increasingly looking at the Maratha icon’s life for cinematic inspiration. National Award-winning actor Vicky Kaushal is currently filming Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, where he essays the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Shivaji.
While Chhaava focuses on Sambhaji’s turbulent reign and his fight against the Mughals, its backdrop and characters are inextricably linked to Shivaji’s towering legacy. The film aims to blend emotional storytelling with large-scale war sequences and period authenticity — a formula proven to work post-Tanhaji.
Adding to this growing list is Riteish Deshmukh, who, after his successful Marathi directorial debut Ved, is reportedly developing his own cinematic take on the life of Shivaji Maharaj.
It isn’t just Maratha history making its way to the big screen. South Indian cinema is actively embracing its mythological and devotional heritage. Actor-producer Vishnu Manchu is leading this effort with Kannappa, a film based on the legendary tale of a tribal hunter-turned-devotee of Lord Shiva.
The story of Kannappa, who is said to have offered his own eyes to the deity as a mark of ultimate devotion, has long been part of Telugu and Tamil folklore. Manchu’s film, with an ensemble cast featuring Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Nayanthara in pivotal roles, is one of the most anticipated mythological dramas in the region. Shot on lavish sets with extensive use of VFX, the film hopes to achieve the kind of pan-India appeal that Baahubali and Kantara managed to muster.
Not every culturally rooted film, however, has found its audience. Punjabi actor-filmmaker Gippy Grewal’s Akaal, which delved into the turbulent period following the demise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, struggled to make a mark despite its ambitious scale. While it was lauded for its intent and authenticity, trade experts believe it lacked the engaging narrative style and wide marketing push that a film of its scale required.
This highlights a crucial aspect of the regional pride-driven wave: mere rootedness isn’t enough. The story must be universally engaging while retaining its cultural specificity. Filmmakers like Rishab Shetty and Om Raut (Tanhaji) have shown how to strike this delicate balance, turning local lore into globally consumable cinema.
The current success of culturally rooted cinema is a reflection of larger socio-political undercurrents in India. At a time when audiences are seeking narratives that affirm their identity and heritage, these films serve as both entertainment and cultural assertion.
Moreover, the success of such films has also inspired a generation of filmmakers from regional industries to think big. With streaming platforms opening up new markets and dubbed versions becoming standard practice, a well-made, regionally rooted film can now reach audiences in Kerala, Assam, or Gujarat as easily as it does in Mumbai or Delhi.