South actors are increasingly venturing into pan-India films, with Hindi versions reaching the northern markets. Over the past two years, the trend of pan-India films from the South has gained significant momentum, propelling stars like Allu Arjun, Thalapathy Vijay, Junior NTR, and Yash to nationwide fame. However, when these actors have appeared in Hindi films, the results at the box office have been less than stellar. While veterans like Nagarjuna and Kamal Haasan once found success in Hindi cinema, recent ventures featuring South Indian actors have faced challenges.
1. Liger:
Vijay Deverakonda had high expectations for Liger, with director Puri Jagannadh expressing confidence that Deverakonda would be the next big sensation. Unfortunately, the film failed critically and commercially, leading to the cancellation of their next collaboration, Jana Gana Mana.
2. Zanjeer:
Ram Charan, a popular figure in the northern belt, attempted Hindi cinema with Zanjeer, a remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s classic. Despite his popularity, the movie failed to leave an impact and faded away.
3. Goodbye:
Rashmika Mandanna, post her success in Pushpa: The Rise, faced a setback with the family drama Goodbye. Despite starring alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Neena Gupta, the film failed to resonate with audiences before her subsequent success in Animal.
4. Aiyyaa:
Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran paired with Rani Mukherjee in Aiyyaa. However, the film’s unconventional plot was deemed too bizarre by audiences, leading to its rejection. Prithviraj’s supporting role in Aurangzeb alongside Arjun Kapoor also didn’t attain success.
5. Laal Singh Chaddha:
Aamir Khan’s highly anticipated Laal Singh Chaddha faced challenges due to a boycott movement, with a considerable section of the audience opting out. Additionally, the film received less-than-flattering reviews. Naga Chaitanya, marking his Hindi film debut, was also part of the movie.
While the pan-India trend has elevated South Indian stars to nationwide recognition, the transition to Hindi cinema has not always translated into success. The complexities of audience preferences and diverse storytelling sensibilities between regional and Hindi cinema pose challenges that some Southern actors have grappled with in recent times.