Kangana criticizes Bollywood as she decodes Pushpa 2 success

Kangana Ranaut has once again stirred the debate about why South Indian films are outshining Bollywood at the box office.
Speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak, the outspoken actor shared her thoughts on the growing success of films like Pushpa, attributing it to South cinema’s deep connection with reality, unlike Bollywood’s obsession with superficial elements.

During the session, Kangana addressed the massive popularity of Allu Arjun’s

Pushpa franchise

, contrasting it with the underwhelming performance of many Hindi films. She remarked, “I don’t think Bollywood can be dubbed as mainstream anymore. We should look at Indian cinema as one industry, where every type of audience is addressed.”
Kangana highlighted Allu Arjun’s character in Pushpa as a prime example of storytelling rooted in realism. She noted that his portrayal of a daily wage worker resonated deeply with audiences across the country, offering relatability and authenticity that many Hindi films fail to deliver. According to Kangana, Bollywood’s biggest drawback is its growing detachment from the realities of common people’s lives.

She didn’t mince words as she criticized the industry’s priorities, saying, “People in Bollywood live in a bubble. All they care about is going to the gym, taking protein shakes, and injections. They have no connection with reality.” Kangana argued that such a superficial approach to filmmaking prevents Bollywood actors from embracing roles that demand authenticity and rawness.
Taking a direct dig at the stereotypical formula of mainstream Hindi cinema, Kangana added, “Bollywood wants six-pack abs, hot babes, beaches, bikes, and item numbers. That’s all they need. But it’s important to have a reality check.” She emphasized that no Bollywood actor would have been willing to play the gritty role that Allu Arjun portrayed in Pushpa, suggesting that South Indian cinema’s willingness to engage with real-world themes and characters sets it apart.