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Nivin Pauly on Malayalam Cinema's Pan-India Success: Identity is Key
M
Moneycontrol•04-10-2026, 16:13
Nivin Pauly on Malayalam Cinema's Pan-India Success: Identity is Key
- •Nivin Pauly's latest film, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, has grossed over Rs 300 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film.
- •Pauly attributes Malayalam cinema's pan-India success to strong writing, characters, performances, and storytelling, enhanced by OTT and subtitles.
- •He emphasizes that a good film, even if deeply rooted in Kerala's culture, can connect universally, citing Lokah as an example.
- •Pauly believes filmmakers should not alter a film's DNA to appeal to diverse audiences, advocating for authenticity over broad appeal.
- •He argues that regional cinema doesn't need to lose its local essence to achieve wider recognition, as authenticity draws audiences in.
Key Questions Answered
The Girish A.D. directed romantic comedy Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has grossed over Rs 300 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.
Nivin Pauly stated that the availability of content with subtitles on OTT platforms, strong storytelling centered on characters and situations, and maintaining regional identity rather than watering it down are key factors driving the pan-India success of Malayalam films.
On the work front, Nivin Pauly is starring in the Tamil film Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, directed by Ram and co-starring Soori and Anjali, which released on October 1, 2026.
