Mumbai has long been considered the film capital of India, with every director dreaming of making a Hindi film at least once in their career.
However, the Mumbai-centric film industry seems to be losing its dominance, as Hyderabad is gradually taking its place.
Previously, many Telugu and Tamil actors and actresses would frequent Mumbai in search of Bollywood opportunities. Now, the trend has reversed.
Many actors and actresses from Mumbai are regularly visiting Hyderabad, meeting producers and directors, and trying their luck in South Indian films.
Even corporate executives from Mumbai are making their way to Hyderabad to discuss projects with Telugu filmmakers.
The rise of pan-India films has reshaped the industry, making Hindi cinema a smaller part of a much larger market.
Ever since S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali series, the shift toward pan-India films has only intensified. Unable to match this trend, Mumbai filmmakers are increasingly relying on South Indian creators, particularly those based in Hyderabad.
Even top Bollywood actors are eager to collaborate with Hyderabad-based filmmakers, as pan-India films offer them career revivals — just like Bobby Deol’s resurgence in Animal.
Notably, director Puri Jagannadh, after years of trying to establish himself in Mumbai, realized it was only draining his resources and decided to shift back to Hyderabad.
While Mumbai remains Bollywood’s home, Hyderabad is fast becoming the center of Indian cinema, offering better and quicker opportunities.
