Kamal Haasan, the celebrated Indian actor, has addressed the title of "OG Pan-India Star" bestowed upon him, humbly suggesting that his widespread appeal is not solely his achievement. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the contributions of numerous individuals that culminate in a film's success across different regions and languages.
Haasan's career, spanning over six decades, has seen him work in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and others. This extensive filmography has naturally led to a broad fanbase across India. However, the actor insists that the concept of "Pan-India" films isn't a new phenomenon, citing classics like "Mughal-e-Azam" and "Chemmeen" as examples of films that resonated with audiences nationwide, regardless of linguistic barriers. He views the term "Pan-India" as a recent coinage for something that has always existed in Indian cinema.
He acknowledges the quality and universal themes of a film as the primary drivers of its success beyond regional boundaries. According to him, if a film is well-made and its story connects with people on a fundamental level, it transcends language and cultural differences. He pointed out that "Chemmeen," a Malayalam film, achieved pan-Indian success without dubbing or subtitles, demonstrating the power of compelling storytelling.
Haasan has also spoken about the "North and South cinema debate" that has emerged following the success of films like "RRR" and "KGF: Chapter 2". He firmly identifies himself as Indian, dismissing the artificial divisions. He also humorously stated, "Taj Mahal is mine, and what is yours?".
Kamal Haasan's perspective offers a valuable insight into the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. By deflecting individual praise and highlighting the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, he underscores the importance of teamwork and collective effort in creating art that resonates with a diverse audience. He recognizes that his journey has been shaped by the contributions of countless individuals, and his success is a testament to their combined talent and dedication.
