Prakash Raj Blasts Hindi Cinema for Losing Its Roots
Veteran actor Prakash Raj, known for his extensive work across multiple Indian film industries, has launched a scathing critique of Hindi cinema, labeling it as 'fake' and 'money-oriented'. The actor, who recently appeared in the successful romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, expressed his views during the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode.
A Comparative Analysis of Indian Cinema
With an impressive career spanning 38 years across five major film industries – Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi – Prakash Raj offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Indian cinema. He believes that while Tamil and Malayalam cinema continue to produce strong and meaningful films, Hindi cinema has strayed from its foundational values.
'In the present context, I feel Malayalam and Tamil cinema are making very strong films. Hindi cinema, on the other hand, has lost its roots,' Prakash Raj stated. He compared contemporary Hindi films to plastic exhibits at Madame Tussauds museum – beautiful on the surface but lacking substance.
The Multiplex Era and Its Impact
According to the seasoned actor, the decline of Hindi cinema began with the advent of the multiplex era in the mid-2000s. He argued that the industry started producing films exclusively for multiplex audiences, leading to a disconnect from India's diverse cultural landscape.
'After multiplexes, the Bombay film industry started making films only for multiplexes. Very cute films and things like that. Because they were running well. They went into that Page 3 culture, and with that lost the touch with rural Rajasthan and Bihar,' he explained.
Contrasting Past and Present
Prakash Raj highlighted the secular and socially conscious roots of post-Independence Hindi cinema, citing Manmohan Desai's 1977 classic Amar Akbar Anthony as a prime example. The film featured characters from different religions uniting for a noble cause, reflecting the industry's earlier commitment to meaningful storytelling.
In contrast, he lamented that contemporary Hindi cinema has become preoccupied with financial gains and superficial appearances. 'Today, it's all about money and appearances – reels, page 3 coverage, and loud self-promotion. In the process, I feel the industry has lost its connection with the audience,' Prakash Raj asserted.
Prakash Raj's Film Journey and Future Projects
The actor made his Bollywood debut in 2002 with Shakti – The Power and went on to appear in numerous notable Hindi films including:
- Khakee (2004)
- Singham (2011)
- Wanted (2009)
- Dabangg 2 (2012)
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
- Heropanti (2014)
- Golmaal Again (2017)
- Salaam Venky (2022)
Looking ahead, Prakash Raj will reunite with Adivi Sesh in the bilingual action film Dacoit, scheduled for release on Eid, March 19. The two previously collaborated in the 2022 bilingual action drama Major.
Prakash Raj's critique raises important questions about the commercialization of Hindi cinema and its impact on artistic integrity and audience connection. His comments come at a time when regional cinema, particularly from the South, is gaining national recognition for its content-driven approach.
