📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Devkanya
Entertainment
Devkanya Thakur Says Bollywood Alone Does Not Define Indian Cinema
✍️ The Tribune
🗓 25 Sep 2026, 09:17 AM
👁 12
Film scholar Devkanya Thakur asserted that Bollywood by itself cannot be equated with Indian cinema, highlighting the country's diverse regional film traditions.
Renowned film commentator Devkanya Thakur emphasized that the Indian film landscape extends far beyond the commercial Hindi‑language industry popularly known as Bollywood. In a recent interview, she argued that equating Bollywood with cinema overlooks the rich storytelling traditions of regional industries such as Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil, and Marathi, which have long contributed to the country's artistic heritage.
Thakur pointed out that many acclaimed works from these regional sectors have garnered international recognition and awards, demonstrating that quality cinema thrives across linguistic and cultural boundaries. She urged audiences and policymakers to support a broader definition of Indian cinema that includes these varied voices.
The statement comes at a time when debates about the global perception of Indian movies are intensifying, with industry leaders calling for greater visibility of non‑Bollywood productions on streaming platforms and at film festivals.
Thakur pointed out that many acclaimed works from these regional sectors have garnered international recognition and awards, demonstrating that quality cinema thrives across linguistic and cultural boundaries. She urged audiences and policymakers to support a broader definition of Indian cinema that includes these varied voices.
The statement comes at a time when debates about the global perception of Indian movies are intensifying, with industry leaders calling for greater visibility of non‑Bollywood productions on streaming platforms and at film festivals.