Indian mass heroes are like Marvel and DC superheroes, says Nagarjuna. 'But they give the logic'

Veteran actor Nagarjuna was among the key speakers at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Participating in the panel discussion titled Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum?, Nagarjuna joined fellow actors Anupam Kher, Khushbu Sundar, and Karthi to explore the rising influence of regional films across India.

During the session, Nagarjuna emphasized the impact of authentic storytelling in regional cinema and how it contributes to national and international success. He noted that there is no fixed formula for a film to resonate across languages. Instead, he believes that sincerity is the key. “The only ingredient is honesty. If you stay true to your language and your people, that truth will travel,” he said.

Superhero Status of Indian Mass Heroes

Nagarjuna drew comparisons between Indian film heroes and global superheroes, arguing that audiences embrace high-octane, hero-centric storytelling even without the justification of supernatural powers. “You might say, a guy raises his fist and twenty people fall, it looks abnormal. But if you like Marvel or DC films, Superman does the same thing, but they give the logic of them having superpowers. But we don’t need those special powers,” he explained.

He further commented that Indian audiences are emotionally invested in their heroes, finding joy and escapism in their larger-than-life actions. “The common man, the ticket-paying audience, including me, wants to watch my heroes larger than life. When I see Prabhas, Allu Arjun and others on-screen and doing what they do, I clap and whistle,” he added.

Success of Films Like Pushpa, Baahubali, and KGF

Nagarjuna attributed the success of films like Pushpa, Baahubali, and KGF in the Hindi-speaking belt to the universal appeal of aspirational characters. He pointed out that such stories had been told in the South for years, but their freshness and intensity captivated audiences in regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. “Both the Pushpa films made more money in the North than in Telugu. We’ve seen stories like these in Telugu before, but in Bihar, UP, and Punjab, audiences wanted to see their heroes like Pushpa Raj, Yash in KGF, or Baahubali. These characters represent escape and aspiration, and for people living through everyday struggles, that magic on screen is powerful,” he said.

Nagarjuna also highlighted how directors like S.S. Rajamouli succeeded by staying grounded in their native culture. “Rajamouli made Baahubali like a Telugu film from start to finish. That sincerity connected with people all over the world. You don’t have to universalize your story if it’s true, it will find its way,” he noted.

Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Nagarjuna is set to appear in two upcoming films: Kuberaa, directed by Sekhar Kammula, and Coolie, helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Kuberaa will feature Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jim Sarbh alongside Nagarjuna. Meanwhile, Coolie boasts a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and others. Aamir Khan will also appear in a cameo. The film is scheduled for release on August 14, 2025, and will clash with War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR.

Despite the pan-India appeal of his projects, Nagarjuna reaffirmed his commitment to his linguistic roots. “If it works in your language, it will work everywhere,” he stated, underlining his focus on first connecting with the Telugu audience.