June 25, 2025
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Mumbai, 2 May 2025 — The ongoing World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, became the stage for a powerful message of unity in Indian cinema. At a special panel discussion titled “Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum”, industry stalwarts emphasized that Indian cinema’s future lies in transcending regional divides and celebrating shared cultural roots.

Moderated by noted journalist Sh. Naman Ramachandran, the session featured four iconic personalities — Sh. Nagarjuna, Sh. Anupam Kher, Sh. Karthi, and Ms. Khushboo Sundar — who engaged in an inspiring dialogue about the evolving face of Indian cinema.

Ms. Khushboo Sundar struck a chord with the audience, declaring that cinema’s strength comes from its emotional connection with people. “When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film stops being regional or national — it becomes Indian cinema. That’s when everything falls into place,” she said, calling for an end to the divide between Bollywood and regional industries.

Veteran actor Sh. Nagarjuna echoed this sentiment, celebrating the rich diversity that defines Indian filmmaking. He highlighted that India’s myriad languages and traditions do not restrict creativity but instead fuel it. “Pride in one’s roots liberates a storyteller. That is the true essence of Indian cinema,” he remarked.

Speaking on the changing landscape of cinema consumption, Sh. Anupam Kher noted the significant shift post-COVID. “Audiences today consume films from every corner of the country — it’s not about regions anymore, it’s about cinema from India as a whole,” he observed. Stressing the value of authenticity, Kher added, “Honesty in storytelling is your greatest ally. Audiences may crave spectacle, but they will always applaud sincerity.”

Adding his voice, popular actor Sh. Karthi reflected on the enduring love for grand cinematic experiences. “Despite the rise of diverse content online, people still flock to theatres for the magic of song-and-dance and heroic sagas,” he said, reaffirming the timeless appeal of big-screen entertainment.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists called upon filmmakers and audiences alike to move beyond the narrow labels of “regional” cinema. They emphasized that the real strength of Indian cinema lies in its unity, deeply rooted in shared emotions, traditions, and the soil of India itself.

As WAVES 2025 continues, this clarion call for embracing a truly pan-Indian identity stands as a defining moment for the industry — proving that Pan-Indian cinema is not a myth but an unstoppable momentum.

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