Shah Rukh Khan: South cinema is very amazing from a technical and artistic standpoint

Shah Rukh Khan's tribute to South Indian cinema during his acceptance of the Pardo Alla Carriera award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival underscored his admiration for the unique storytelling and technical brilliance of regional films. The actor, honored for his outstanding career, took the opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian cinema, emphasizing that it should be viewed as a unified entity rather than segmented by regional boundaries.

In his speech, Khan remarked on the exceptional quality of South Indian cinema, praising its innovative storytelling techniques and technical expertise. He articulated that the diverse linguistic landscape of India, which includes Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Bengali, contributes to a vibrant and collective cinematic experience. 

Khan elaborated on his appreciation for South Indian films, highlighting that the Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil industries have produced some of the greatest cinematic works and superstars. He noted that recent hits like "Jawan," "RRR," and "Baahubali" have garnered nationwide recognition, further amplifying the impact of South Indian cinema on a broader scale. 

He shared his personal experiences working on "Jawan," a Pan-India film that featured a predominantly Tamil crew, including director Atlee. Khan expressed his long-held desire to be part of a South Indian film, inspired by his earlier collaboration with Mani Ratnam on "Dil Se." He described South Indian cinema as larger-than-life, robust, and characterized by its grandiose music and heroic themes. This distinct style, he noted, was a refreshing departure from his previous work and added that he thoroughly enjoyed the process, often involving his family in the experience.

Addressing the language barrier he encountered during the making of "Jawan," Khan mentioned that initial communication challenges were overcome through gestures and mutual understanding. He fondly recalled sharing moments with Atlee and his team, including the personal touch of naming Atlee's baby after his own father. Despite the language differences, the camaraderie and shared cultural experiences made the collaboration enjoyable.

Khan also touched on the fusion of Hindi and South Indian cinema in "Jawan," noting it as one of the first significant attempts to blend these cinematic worlds. He expressed pride in how the film transcended boundaries and was embraced across the nation, marking a significant milestone in cross-regional cinematic collaboration.

In a playful aside, Khan addressed the audience's curiosity about him, leading to an acknowledgment by Google. Looking ahead, Shah Rukh Khan will star in Sujoy Ghosh's forthcoming film "King," which features his daughter Suhana Khan and actor Abhishek Bachchan, promising yet another exciting chapter in his illustrious career.