Actor R Madhavan has voiced concern over what he sees as a growing disconnect between Gen Z audiences and Indian cinema, saying younger viewers are increasingly choosing international contents over Tamil, Hindi and other Indian films, reports Hindustan Times.
Speaking to Cinema Express while promoting his upcoming biographical drama GDN, Madhavan said the shift has become evident even within his own family.
Referring to his 20-year-old son, Vedaant, the actor admitted that the changing viewing habits of younger audiences genuinely worry him.
Madhavan said his son still respects his work, but many people from the younger generation no longer connect with Indian cinema.
He noted that they prefer Japanese anime and Korean productions and rarely visit theatres to watch Tamil, Hindi or other Indian films.
Despite his concerns, Madhavan made it clear that he does not blame audiences. Instead, he believes the responsibility lies with filmmakers to create stories that inspire and engage viewers.
The actor also said he has never looked down on commercial cinema and understands why formula-driven films succeed at the box office.
He acknowledged that he could continue making such films to sustain his career. However, he now prefers roles that offer greater emotional depth and allow him to showcase his abilities as an actor.
Madhavan said he spent years waiting for scripts that challenged him creatively. When those opportunities finally arrived, he chose them instead of returning to familiar commercial entertainers.
He urged storytellers, directors and actors to reflect on whether their work truly inspires audiences.
According to Madhavan, the industry must ask itself difficult questions if it hopes to reconnect with younger viewers.
His latest film, GDN, chronicles the life of inventor and industrialist Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, widely known as the “Edison of India”.
The biographical drama follows Naidu’s remarkable journey from self-taught innovator to the creator of India’s first electric motor, while also highlighting his ambition to build a car capable of competing with Mercedes.
Led by Madhavan, GDN is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 August 2026, following a postponement from its original July release date.
