Sundeep Kishan Discusses the Differences Between South Indian and Bollywood Film Industries at Watcho Storytellers Conclave

Actor Sundeep Kishan needs no introduction; he has proved his mettle in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films such as Venkatadri Express, Tiger, Shamantakamani, Nagaram, Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, and Shor in the City. Recently, at the Dish TV Watcho Storytellers Conclave, he spoke about the working styles and differences across various film industries.

Sundeep shared, “In Tamil Nadu, the work environment is more hierarchical, with more bosses around and a structured approach. In contrast, when I work in Bombay, especially with people like Raj & DK, it’s a completely different setup. The method might seem chaotic at first, but there’s a system to it, even if no one quite knows what it is. Everyone starts off shouting, but once the camera rolls, there’s sudden silence. It’s a vibe that just flows. In Bombay, everything is in order—checked, tested, and ready to go. Despite the apparent chaos, there’s a clear structure. On Tamil Nadu sets, we often have food served in a buffet system, which is fun. But the energy and rhythm of Bombay sets feel unique.”

Sundeep was a guest speaker at the Watcho Storytellers Conclave, a step towards igniting impactful conversations within the film community while strengthening the Dish TV brand. He led a session titled ‘A Young Star Who Seamlessly Gels into Any Role, Any Industry, and Platform.’ Expressing his excitement about being part of the initiative, Sundeep shared, “It’s exciting to be part of the Watcho Storytellers Conclave, which gives young creators an accessible platform to present their work to global audiences. It’s all about empowering each creator to find their unique voice and reach the audience that matters.”

Talking about Pan India films, he said, “A Pan Indian film, particularly in the context of South Indian cinema, refers to a movie made in Hyderabad by Hyderabadi filmmakers in languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam. These films are dubbed and released in other regions, often becoming blockbusters in North India. Back then, this was a rare phenomenon, and we were simply actors chosen to play roles. Today, however, things have changed. We are gaining respect and recognition in regions that were once unexplored, and the reach of South Indian dubbed films is massive. For example, one of my films, Nachatru, was a passion project. Although it didn’t perform well initially, years later, I started getting recognized on the streets, with people associating me with that film and praising my work. It’s incredible to witness how the audience’s response has evolved over time. It’s not just about the career; it’s about the journey.”

After a successful launch in Kolkata, Watcho Storytellers Conclave arrived in Hyderabad, engaging creative community and empowering content creators nationwide. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the Hyderabad edition featured eminent filmmakers and creators, including Anil Ravipudi, Sundeep Kishan, Sunitha Tati, Baradwaj Rangan, Sai Rajesh, and Nanda Kishore Emani, offering insightful sessions on the evolving content landscape.

The Watcho Storytellers Conclave seeks to level the playing field for filmmakers and content creators, providing fresh opportunities for both emerging and established talent to connect with audiences and share their unique stories. Watcho offers a platform for diverse artistic expressions, fostering creativity and innovation while breaking traditional barriers and enriching the entertainment landscape.