How Sikandar’s debacle highlights the South’s stronghold

For the past few decades, the Hindi film industry, popularly known as Bollywood, has enjoyed a dominant position in Indian cinema. However, the narrative has seen a dramatic shift in recent years, with South Indian films making a strong impact across national and international markets with films like Baahubali series, KGF franchise,

Pushpa

series , Kalki 2898 AD, Salaar: Part 1- Ceasefire and L2: Empyrean. . The contrasting fates of Salman Khan’s Sikandar underscores this evolving dynamic.
At face value, both films Empuraan and Sikandar have performed similarly at the box office. However, expectations from Sikandar were monumental given Salman Khan’s star power, making its failure much more glaring. On the other hand, Empuraan, the sequel to the Malayalam blockbuster Lucifer, has been hailed as yet another success story from the South, reinforcing the perception that regional cinema continues to outshine Bollywood. But what exactly led to this stark contrast in reception, and what does it say about the current state of the Indian film industry?

The Burden of Salman Khan’s Stardom

Salman Khan has been synonymous with box-office blockbusters for over two decades. Even when critics have written off his films, his massive fanbase has ensured record-breaking collection, he has delivered 17 Rs 100 crore films in his career. No other actor has been able to deliver these numbers. However, Sikandar proved that even megastars are not immune to the changing tastes of audiences.

The film was expected to be a mass entertainer, promising a mix of action, drama, and Salman’s signature swag. However, audiences were left underwhelmed by the film’s predictable storytelling, lackluster screenplay, and uninspiring execution. The industry had projected it as a juggernaut, expecting it to shatter records, but poor word of mouth led to a sharp decline in collections after a promising start.
Moreover, Sikandar’s failure is a wake-up call for Bollywood’s over-reliance on star power over strong storytelling. While Salman’s films have thrived in the past purely on his charisma, today’s audience demands substance along with style. The formulaic approach of his recent outings has begun to show cracks, proving that even superstars need to evolve with the changing cinematic landscape.

L2: Empuraan: The South’s Winning Formula with a Catch

In contrast,L2: Empuraan has emerged as yet another feather in the cap for Malayalam cinema. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal in a powerful role, the film builds upon the legacy of Lucifer, which was a huge success. The sequel was made with a clear vision, focusing on a gripping narrative, compelling performances, and slick execution.
What sets Empuraan apart is its inspiring vision. South Indian filmmakers have perfected the art of crafting engaging cinema that balances commercial viability with storytelling depth. The audience today appreciates this approach, and Empuraan’s success reflects this sentiment.
However, there is a significant catch here. While other South Indian films like Baahubali, KGF, and Pushpa did stupendous business in the Hindi market, Empuraan has failed to make an impact in North India. In its first eight days, the film managed to earn just Rs. 2 crore in the Hindi belt—a stark contrast to the hundreds of crores raked in by the aforementioned pan-Indian South films. This indicates that while South Indian cinema continues to dominate, not every film achieves pan-India success. The massive reach of Telugu and Kannada films in the Hindi market hasn’t quite extended to Malayalam cinema yet, raising questions about whether Empuraan was marketed adequately to North Indian audiences.

The Changing Face of Indian Cinema

The rise of South cinema is not an isolated phenomenon. Over the past few years, films like Baahubali, Pushpa, RRR, KGF, Jailer and Vikram have rewritten box-office records, earning recognition not just in India but globally. Bollywood, on the other hand, has struggled to consistently deliver pan-Indian successes, with only a handful of films like Pathaan, Jawan,Gadar 2, Stree 2 , Chhaava and Animal achieving widespread acclaim.
The fundamental difference lies in the approach. South Indian filmmakers focus on strong storytelling, character development, and high production values, whereas Bollywood has often relied on star-driven spectacles that fail to resonate beyond their initial hype. Audiences today have more options than ever before and are willing to embrace good content, irrespective of language or region.
Moreover, South Indian filmmakers have been more successful in blending tradition with modern cinematic techniques. Whether it is mythology-infused narratives like Baahubali or raw, rustic storytelling like Pushpa, these films strike a chord with audiences. Bollywood, on the other hand, is still grappling with its identity crisis, unsure whether to cater to the urban elite or the mass audience.

The Box Office Paradox

While both Sikandar and Empuraan may have done similar business, the key difference is in perception. Sikandar was supposed to be a record-breaker but ended up as a disappointment. Empuraan, though successful, was not expected to deliver unprecedented numbers but still managed to reinforce the strength of South cinema.
This paradox highlights the shifting expectations in Indian cinema. Bollywood’s films are increasingly being judged against the high standards set by South Indian films. A mass entertainer from Bollywood is expected to not just match but surpass the success of a South film. When that doesn’t happen, the failure feels more pronounced.

The Road Ahead

The contrasting fates of Sikandar and Empuraan serve as a lesson.. The audience has evolved, and their choices reflect a preference for well-crafted cinema over star-driven vehicles. South Indian films have cracked the formula of delivering content that is both entertaining and impactful. If Bollywood wants to regain its dominance, it must embrace this change rather than resisting it.
The future of Indian cinema will be dictated by quality storytelling, and the industry that adapts faster will emerge stronger. Whether Bollywood learns from its missteps or continues to rely on outdated formulas remains to be seen. One thing is certain—the days of complacency are over, and the battle for supremacy in Indian cinema has never been fiercer.