In a recent interview with Film Companion, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur delved into the unexpected success of the Aamir Khan starrer ‘Dangal’ in China, shedding light on the factors contributing to its global acclaim. Kapur emphasized the need for a film’s success domestically before considering international expansion, using ‘Dangal’ as a prime example.
Reflecting on the film’s astonishing achievement of $200 million in China, Kapur attributed its resonance to the portrayal of patriarchal themes, which struck a chord with Chinese audiences. He highlighted the cultural similarities between India and China in their patriarchal societies, allowing viewers to empathize with the protagonist’s struggle and triumph.
While admitting they couldn’t fully anticipate ‘Dangal’s success in China, Kapur stressed the importance of identifying universal themes objectively. He emphasized strategic distribution as crucial for penetrating the international market effectively.
Kapur further cautioned against reverse-engineering stories for international standards, advocating for authenticity in storytelling. With ‘Dangal’ maintaining its position as the top-grossing Indian film internationally, surpassing ‘Baahubali 2’ and ‘RRR,’ Kapur’s insights shed light on the nuanced dynamics of global film success.
