Anurag Kashyap's take on the Visual Revolution in South Cinema: A Look at 'Thangalaan'

Filmmaker-turned-actor Anurag Kashyap recently shared his admiration for the upcoming film 'Thangalaan' and discussed the noticeable visual differences between South Indian cinema and its North Indian counterpart. Kashyap expressed his thoughts after watching the teaser for ‘Thangalaan’, noting, “Yesterday I was watching the teaser of Thangalaan, and I was struck by how different these visuals are from what I usually see in Hindi cinema. I don’t see us doing that.”

He highlighted a shift in Bollywood’s focus, mentioning, “There was a time when our cinema looked beyond our roots, turning its gaze towards the UK and the US. For a decade, there was a significant focus on making films for these foreign markets, creating a disconnect that isn’t as prevalent in South cinema. This disconnect is something I find inspiring.”

Kashyap’s remarks underscore a major trend in the film industry. In recent years, South Indian cinema has stood out for its originality and impressive box office performance. The visual grandeur of South films has become a defining feature, highlighting a contrast with North Indian cinema.

‘Thangalaan’ represents the latest in a series of South Indian films pushing creative boundaries. Set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) during the British exploitation, the film promises to continue the South Indian tradition of delivering unique and compelling narratives. Directed by Pa. Ranjith, ‘Thangalaan’ features Chiyaan Vikram and Malavika Mohanan in leading roles and is set for a global release on August 15, 2024. It will be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, with music composed by G.V. Prakash Kumar.

As the South Indian film industry continues to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling and striking visuals, ‘Thangalaan’ is poised to be another landmark in its illustrious journey.