Saif Ali Khan opened up about Telugu cinema while speaking at an event recently. He said that Telugu films treat their heroes like gods and give a universal experience. He plays the antagonist in the recently released Jr. NTR starrer Devara: Part 1.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Saif highlighted key lessons Hindi film industry could adapt from the Telugu industry. "They have a deep connection with their audience and a clear understanding of who they are making films for. Their work is firmly grounded in our culture. Look at Baahubali—it's both mythological and historical, yet highly commercial. And, they treat their heroes like gods, which is something commercial cinema should embrace."
Saif also expressed admiration for the filmmaking process in the South, praising the technical precision and high standards “The way they film is truly remarkable. Even though we are in the same country, it feels like a completely different industry. The language might be different, but once the camera starts rolling, acting becomes a universal experience. Director Koratala Siva (Devara) was incredibly supportive, guiding me through extensive dialogues, which made it an exciting challenge to take on."
He added, "They are creating outstanding films that are immensely successful, and they take great care in shaping their stories and treating their heroes with utmost respect. For a Mumbai-based actor, mastering the language and stepping out of English offers exciting new possibilities."