In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, boundaries between regional film industries are slowly dissolving, giving rise to collaborations between Bollywood and South Indian cinema. A prime example of this is Janhvi Kapoor, a rising star in Bollywood, who is set to make her mark in the South Indian film industry with the highly anticipated film ‘Devara’, directed by Koratala Siva. Recently, Siva made headlines when he praised Janhvi, stating, “Janhvi belongs to the South,” a comment that has not only piqued interest but also garnered significant attention from both the media and fans. In this article, we explore the context behind Koratala Siva’s statement, Janhvi Kapoor’s growing presence in South Indian cinema, her journey as an actress, and what her collaboration with NTR Jr. in ‘Devara’ could mean for her career. Additionally, we will take a closer look at the significance of cross-industry collaborations and why Janhvi Kapoor is being hailed as a talent who transcends regional boundaries. Janhvi Kapoor, the daughter of legendary actress Sridevi and film producer Boney Kapoor, made her Bollywood debut in 2018 with ‘Dhadak’, a remake of the Marathi hit ‘Sairat’. Since then, she has steadily climbed the ladder of success, proving her mettle as an actress capable of delivering emotionally charged performances. Despite being just a few years into her career, Janhvi has already worked on a diverse range of projects, from romantic dramas to horror-thrillers like ‘Roohi’ and critically acclaimed performances in films like ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’. While she was initially seen as a promising newcomer who had big shoes to fill due to her mother’s legacy, Janhvi has carved out her own space in Bollywood. She has demonstrated versatility and a willingness to take on challenging roles, which has endeared her to both critics and audiences. Her upcoming projects in Bollywood, including ‘Bawaal’ with Varun Dhawan and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Mahi’ with Rajkummar Rao, have added to the excitement surrounding her career trajectory. However, it is her foray into South Indian cinema with ‘Devara’ that has truly captured the spotlight. ‘Devara’ is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2024, not just in the South Indian film industry but across India. Directed by Koratala Siva, the man behind hits like ‘Bharat Ane Nenu’ and ‘Janatha Garage’, the film also stars NTR Jr., one of the biggest stars in the Telugu film industry. This big-budget action film has generated immense buzz, and the addition of Janhvi Kapoor to the cast has only increased the anticipation. Janhvi’s role in ‘Devara’ marks her debut in Telugu cinema, and the industry has welcomed her with open arms. Playing a pivotal role alongside NTR Jr., Janhvi’s character in ‘Devara’ is expected to bring emotional depth to the film’s narrative. While details of her role remain under wraps, fans are eager to see how she will perform in a South Indian film, given her Bollywood background and relatively short but impactful career so far.
“Janhvi belongs to the South”; says ‘Devara’ director Koratala Siva as he praises Janhvi Kapoor!
At a recent promotional event for ‘Devara’, Koratala Siva made a bold statement when he said, “Janhvi belongs to the South.” This declaration was more than just a compliment for her performance in the film; it was an acknowledgment of her ability to blend into the world of South Indian cinema. For someone who has primarily worked in Bollywood, Janhvi’s ease in adapting to a different regional industry speaks volumes about her dedication and talent. Siva’s statement reflects his belief that Janhvi’s sensibilities as an actress align well with the aesthetics and storytelling traditions of South Indian cinema. He emphasized how seamlessly she fit into the role and how her performance in ‘Devara’ would resonate with audiences. According to him, Janhvi’s background, passion, and willingness to take on new challenges have allowed her to transcend regional boundaries, making her a natural fit for the South Indian film industry. In an interview, Koratala Siva expressed his admiration for Janhvi’s professionalism and dedication to learning the nuances of the Telugu language and culture. He appreciated how, despite being a Bollywood star, she immersed herself fully into the character she portrays in ‘Devara’, demonstrating her commitment to the craft of acting. Siva’s praise has set high expectations for her performance, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the film to see her in a new avatar. Janhvi Kapoor’s foray into South Indian cinema also carries an emotional significance. Her mother, the late Sridevi, was a legendary actress who had a successful career in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Sridevi began her acting career in Tamil cinema and went on to work in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films before becoming one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses. Janhvi’s move into South Indian cinema is seen by many as a continuation of her mother’s legacy, bridging the gap between different film industries just as Sridevi did decades ago. Janhvi has often spoken about the impact her mother had on her life and career, and there is no doubt that stepping into the world of South Indian cinema is both a personal and professional milestone for her. By choosing a film like ‘Devara’, she is not only honoring her mother’s legacy but also establishing her own identity as an actress who can navigate different cinematic traditions with ease. The Indian film industry is a vast and diverse landscape, with multiple regional industries such as Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, and Mollywood producing films in different languages. While these industries have historically operated within their own linguistic and cultural boundaries, recent years have seen an increasing trend of collaboration between them. Pan-India films, like ‘Baahubali’, ‘Pushpa’, and ‘RRR’, have brought regional films to a national and even international audience, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for actors and filmmakers from different industries to work together. Janhvi Kapoor’s casting in ‘Devara’ is part of this larger trend of cross-industry collaboration. For Bollywood actors, working in South Indian cinema can open doors to new audiences and allow them to experiment with different kinds of storytelling and cinematic styles.
