Later, during a panel titled ‘Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum’, with Anupam Kher, Khushbu, and Karthi, Nagarjuna reflected on the success of pan-India blockbusters like Pushpa, KGF, and Baahubali, attributing their wide appeal to authentic storytelling and the allure of larger-than-life heroes.

“For many Indians, just living day to day is difficult. They just want to see magic on screen,” he said. Emphasising the importance of cultural rootedness, he added, “That’s what the larger-than-life stories are doing, without losing the fundamentals of Indian storytelling.

Rajamouli shot Baahubali, frame by frame, thinking it was a Telugu film. He was very proud of his roots and language, and he shot it like a Telugu film, and people loved it across the world! If you are rooted in your storytelling, it will resonate.”

Karthi echoed this sentiment, pointing out that such successes are often a result of long-standing popularity rather than sudden breakthroughs. “Allu Arjun was a star in the North for ten years before Pushpa happened. It wasn’t an overnight success,” he said.

Reflecting on the evolution of audience habits, he noted that even with access to global content, viewers continue to seek out the immersive, celebratory experience that Indian cinema offers.

Meanwhile, Khushbu highlighted the deeper emotional and cultural connection that underpins such storytelling: “When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film stops being regional or national; it becomes Indian cinema, and that is what makes everything fall into place.”

In an insightful panel discussion titled ‘Legends and Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul’ moderated by Akshay Kumar, veteran actors Mohanlal, Chiranjeevi, and Hema Malini delved into the enduring spirit of Indian cinema.