Producer Naga Vamsi Says South Cinema Focuses On Money Over Good Films, Sparks Controversy
Producer Naga Vamsi has stirred controversy once again, this time by critiquing his own industry’s approach to filmmaking. Speaking at Galatta Plus’ roundtable for producers, Vamsi, known for films like DJ Tillu and Jersey, admitted that financial considerations often outweigh the drive to create high-quality cinema in South India.
“We always have second thoughts about making risky films with unconventional subjects,” Vamsi said during the discussion. “We calculate the potential earnings through OTT platforms before risking theatrical releases. After all the calculations, we think twice before making good films. Our main criteria are that the theatres need to be filled. Money is more important for us.”
The statement drew immediate criticism from fellow panelist Boney Kapoor, a veteran producer in Bollywood. Kapoor countered Vamsi’s argument by highlighting successful unconventional films. He cited the example of Rajkummar Rao, whose career skyrocketed with offbeat comedies like Stree, and pointed to Nag Ashwin’s Jathi Rathnalu, which achieved blockbuster success with a fresh narrative and newcomers.
“When Ashwini Dutt and Nag Ashwin made this comedy film, Jathi Rathnalu, it probably made more money than many of their big-budget ventures. Similarly, in Hindi, Rajkummar Rao became a known face with films that didn’t rely on extravagant budgets or massive marketing,” Kapoor argued.
However, Vamsi remained steadfast, labeling the success of niche films like Lucky Baskhar and Jersey as anomalies. “When you weigh them, money is more important for us,” he reiterated.
Clash Between Vamsi and Kapoor
This was not the first time Vamsi and Kapoor locked horns during the panel. Earlier, Vamsi criticized Hindi cinema for catering exclusively to “people from Bandra and Juhu,” a remark that irked Kapoor. Defending Bollywood’s legacy, Kapoor pointed to mass-appeal classics like Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also condemned Vamsi’s tone, calling it disrespectful in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Vamsi later clarified that his comments were not meant to offend, stating that he and Kapoor had resolved their differences amicably after the panel. “We hugged it out,” he said, downplaying the tension.
The debate has reignited conversations about the balance between art and commerce in Indian cinema, with producers divided over the industry’s priorities.
