Salman Khan claims South audience don't support Bollywood films

• Salman Khan discusses the need for compelling scripts in pan-Indian cinema.
• He reveals that audiences often watch South films, but Bollywood fans don't always watch theirs.
• Khan emphasizes the importance of a solid script and high-budget films.

Salman Khan recently discussed the evolving landscape of pan-Indian cinema, stressing the need for compelling scripts and acknowledging Bollywood's challenges in matching the success of South Indian films. Speaking at a press meet in Mumbai ahead of his highly anticipated film “Sikandar”, the superstar highlighted the contrast in audience responses. He noted, "We watch South films here, but their fans don’t always come to watch ours."

Salman Khan mentioned that “making high-budget films requires significant responsibility and a solid script. He pointed out that while actors from Bollywood also charge similar fees, the key factor lies in having a strong storyline.”

The “Kick” actor acknowledged that Bollywood currently lacks such scripts but emphasized that projects like “Ramayana” offer an opportunity to unite talent from various industries.

Salman shared that “he has collaborated extensively with South Indian technicians, directors, and actors over the years. However, he admitted that when his films are released in the South, they don't achieve the same level of success due to the immense fan loyalty that South stars enjoy.”

The “Race 3” actor noted that while people recognize and greet him on the streets, attracting audiences to theaters in the South remains a challenge. He explained that South Indian films succeed in the North because audiences actively watch them, but Bollywood films have yet to receive the same acceptance.

Khan emphasized that Bollywood audiences eagerly watch films starring South Indian actors like Rajinikanth, Ram Charan, and Suriya, but South Indian audiences do not always show the same enthusiasm for Bollywood movies.

He highlighted the need for collaboration between industries but pointed out that high production budgets make cost recovery challenging due to the limited number of available theaters.

Khan noted that if India had around 20,000 to 30,000 theaters, the situation would change entirely, making South Indian stars more likely to collaborate with Bollywood.

Salman will star next in AR Murugadoss's “Sikandar”, alongside lead actress Rashmika Mandanna. The film will hit theaters on March 30.

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