Salman Khan on south audiences ignoring Bollywood: 'We accept South films here but their fans don’t always come to watch ours'

Salman Khan recently spoke about the changing dynamics of pan-Indian cinema, stressing the need for strong scripts and addressing Bollywood's challenges in matching the success of South Indian films. During a press event in Mumbai for his much-awaited film 'Sikandar', he highlighted the difference in audience reception, saying, "We accept South films here, but that hasn't happened yet. We go and watch them, but their fans don't always come to watch ours."
The actor emphasized that making high-budget films comes with great responsibility and demands a strong script. He noted that while Bollywood actors also charge similar fees, the real differentiator is having a compelling storyline.
The 'Kick' actor added that while Bollywood is currently not producing such scripts, projects like Ramayana offer a chance to unite talent from different film industries.
Khan shared that he has worked with many South Indian technicians, directors, and actors. However, he admitted that his films don’t do as well in the South because fans there are deeply loyal to their stars.
He explained that while people recognize him and greet him in the South, getting them to watch his films in theaters is tough. He added that South Indian films are popular in the North, but Bollywood films haven’t received the same response in the South yet.
Salman further also stated that although South Indian celebrities like Rajinikanth, Ram Charan, and Suriya are eagerly viewed by Bollywood viewers, South Indian fans do not necessarily share this enthusiasm.
He underlined the value of industry cooperation while also pointing out that the high production expenses and the small number of theaters make cost recovery challenging.
The situation would be completely different if India had between 20,000 and 30,000 cinemas, Khan said, and South Indian celebrities would also be more willing to work with Bollywood in that case.
Salman will next be seen in AR Murugadoss's Sikandar. On March 30, the movie, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna in the major role, will be released in theaters.