When promoting his upcoming film ‘Bharateeyudu 2’ in the Telugu states, legendary actor Kamal Haasan made an important call for Indian recognition in the global film industry. At a recent event, Haasan emphasized the significance of India, acknowledging and awarding the best performers from around the world. He stated, “It’s our turn to acknowledge the best performers from the rest of the world. We are the largest filmmaking community in the world, and it is my dream to give the world’s best performance award from India to others. It is not arrogance. We have to bear in mind how important we are. We have to become the producers of the best-quality cinema. We can do it. If we do that, Oscars will seek out ideas from us.”
Haasan’s vision illuminates a significant shift in perspective on cinematic recognition. The Academy Awards, or Oscars, are regarded as the pinnacle of cinematic achievement and recognition. However, Haasan has consistently expressed his belief that the Oscars, which primarily recognize Western films, should not be seen as the ultimate measure of cinematic excellence for Indian filmmakers.
His comments come after the recent success of ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film ‘RRR’, which brought immense pride to Indians by winning an Oscar Award. While most Indians celebrate such achievements as the highest form of recognition, Haasan’s stance offers a different narrative. He has previously articulated that the Oscars, instituted to honour films made in the West for Western audiences, should not necessarily be considered the pinnacle of glory for Indian cinema. “A recognition from the Academy committee, therefore, needn’t be seen as the pinnacle of glory,” he remarked.
Haasan’s advocacy for a broader, more inclusive approach to film awards underscores his vision for India’s role in the global cinematic landscape. He dreams of India becoming a hub for the highest-quality cinema. He believes that by achieving this, the world, including prestigious bodies like the Academy, will seek inspiration and ideas from Indian filmmakers.
In the context of his illustrious career, Haasan’s recent success with the film ‘Vikram’ and his anticipations for ‘Indian 2’ (Bharateeyudu 2) are noteworthy. The actor aims not only to captivate the masses with his latest project but also to regain his superstardom, mainly in Telugu. His comments reflect a broader ambition for the Indian film industry to match and surpass global standards, thereby setting new benchmarks of excellence.
As Haasan continues to promote ‘Bharateeyudu 2’, his call for Indian recognition beyond the Oscars serves as a rallying cry for the Indian film industry. It encourages filmmakers and audiences alike to value and celebrate cinematic achievements on their terms, fostering a sense of pride and aspiration for global excellence.