Films Before Figures: The Most Beautiful Perspective

Most Rooted is the Most International

Only a handful of films manage to truly break barriers and resonate with audiences across the country.

But why does this happen? Interestingly, most of these films weren’t even designed to appeal to a pan-India audience. They were created with a local audience in mind, focusing on their home state and culture — and that’s exactly why they worked. Without the pressure to cater to everyone, these films remained authentic.

There were no forced cameos, no star-studded casts from multiple industries, no extravagant budgets — just honest, well-crafted storytelling.

A recent example is the Malayalam film Manjummel Boys, based on a true story about a group of friends from Kerala who go on a trip to Ooty, where one of them accidentally falls into a pit. The film’s powerful writing and emotional depth made it a nationwide success.

Similarly, the Kannada film Kantara, made on a modest budget of ₹20 crores, was rooted in local folklore from Mangalore, Karnataka. It didn’t rely on big stars or grand visuals, yet it struck a chord across India by collecting over ₹400 crores.

“Only 1 percent succeed [in chasing Rs 800–900–1,000 crore], yet everybody is chasing the same. It leads to inflated budgets and compromises on storytelling.” – Anurag Kashyap (director, Gangs of Wasseypur)

Why do films like these succeed? Because at their core, they tap into universal emotions. They are deeply rooted, culturally specific stories that still manage to connect with everyone. Filmmakers and producers need to realize the immense value in telling such grounded stories.

India’s folklore is vast and rich — just think of the countless narratives waiting to be discovered in each state. Telling these stories not only preserves cultural heritage but also offers fresh, unique cinematic experiences for audiences nationwide. For this movement to grow, it’s essential to give writers their due importance. They are the ones who can unearth these hidden gems and bring them to life.