Jaya Bachchan considers RRR a “Indian film” and appears displeased that South Indian cinema is receiving plaudits for RRR’s victory in the parliament.
With the song Naatu Naatu winning the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2023, SS Rajamouli and the RRR team have given India great cause for celebration. It was joined by The Elephant Whisperers, another glorious win for Best Documentary Short Subject. The triumph ignited a South vs. Bollywood discussion in the legislature, and Jaya Bachchan is currently the target of vicious trolling because of it.
It all started when numerous Lawmakers took advantage of the chance to thank the nation for the significant Oscars 2023 wins throughout the parliament. Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, was seen complimenting both films while pointing out that they are both from South India. He appeared to have offended Jaya, who corrected him by referring to them as “Indian films.”
Brut India’s video suggests, Mallikarjun Kharge was heard saying, “Particularly first time such an award is given to this Naatu Naatu and also, to The Elephant Whisperers. So both, mostly, they come from South India. It is great pride to us.” MDMK leader Vaiko also earlier in his speech said, “I want to remind all of you what AR Rahman (Music composer, director) who is from Tamil Nadu, did for India.”
In response to the statement, several online trolls started harassing Jaya Bachchan and accused Bollywood of attempting to take credit for the work.
“Casting Hindi artists doesn’t make the film a Bollywood film,” a user commented. If you are truly hurt, ask K Jo to create a masterpiece and exalt it rather than attempting to take credit for the Telugu film.
Another commented, “Bollywood takes credit it doesnt deserve. South India pushed boundaries of cinema both technically and artistically and even at the content level. I’m fact, Bollywood always looked down upon South. In its moment of glory, Bollywood trying to steal credit.”
“Bollywoodias have looked down upon south cinema for a v long time, even when the latter made better original movies..so now if people from south industry are stressing on “telugu cinema” instead of Indian cinema, m not surprised..cope..,” another mentioned.
A troll wrote, “This discussion is meaningless. It is a Telegu film. Why should parliament even discuss such a non-issue. Jaya Bachchan is as irritating as she always is.”