Siddhant Chaturvedi: Hindi Cinema Needs Heartland Stories

At the India Film Project, Siddhant Chaturvedi discussed Hindi cinema's current state, stressing the importance of authentic stories from real India. He noted that while competition exists, strong content always prevails. Chaturvedi pointed out that writers from smaller cities lack sufficient industry access due to the centralisation of the film industry in Mumbai, suggesting language barriers might also be a factor.

He also addressed the growing disconnect between mainstream films and the audience, attributing it partly to actors' unconscious switch to English during interviews, which alienates viewers. Chaturvedi feels this disconnect hinders cinema from resonating with the broader Indian population.

Despite these challenges, Chaturvedi expressed optimism, praising Gen Z for their discerning taste and ability to identify genuine passion in storytelling. He believes that by providing greater access to talent from the heartland, Hindi cinema can indeed reclaim its past glory and reconnect with its audience.