The WAVES 2025 summit has been going on at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre since May 1. Several celebrities across the nation graced the event and talked about cinema. One of them is veteran South actor Nagarjuna, who joined the session of ‘Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum?’ and delivered his opinion about why movies are resonating with audiences beyond languages and borders. The session also featured Anupam Kher, Khushbu Sundar, and Karthi. 

While talking about Pan India movies, Nagarjuna shared his belief that there is no fixed formula to make films hit across the nation. He said, “The only ingredient is honesty. If you stay true to your language and your people, that truth will travel.” 

The actor talked about how South movies like Pushpa, Baahubali, and KGF gained immense popularity and became blockbusters in the Hindi belt. He states, “Both the Pushpa films made more money in the North than in Telugu. We’ve seen stories like these in Telugu before, but in Bihar, UP, and Punjab, audiences wanted to see their heroes like Pushpa Raj, Yash in KGF, or Baahubali. These characters represent escape and aspiration, and for people living through everyday struggles, that magic on screen is powerful.” 

“Rajamouli made Baahubali like a Telugu film from start to finish. That sincerity connected with people all over the world. You don’t have to universalize your story if it’s true, it will find its way.” 

“People say, ‘One punch and 20 men fall? That’s unrealistic!’ But look at Marvel or DC—Superman does the same thing, just with a justification called superpowers. We don’t need that logic. Our audience already believes in the power of the hero. They want to clap and whistle. That’s the emotional payoff.” 

On the work front, Nagarjuna will be next seen in Coolie. The movie also features Rajinikanth, Sivakarthikeyan, Shruti Haasan, Upendra Rao, Sathyaraj and Soubin Shahir in key roles. It has been directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran. The film is slated to release in August, 2025.