In his inimitable style Salman also remarked that Telugu films were faring far better at the Indian box office and said, “Par phir humari filmein wahan kyun nahi chalti, jab ki unki filmein humare yahan toh chal rahi hai (But then our films barely do well in their state, but their films are succeeding all over the country).” Sharing on what makes Telugu films the ideal choice for the Pan-India moniker, Salman explained, “The films made in the South make a play on heroism, they tell stories that make larger than life heroes. But with our films some people say that it’s clichéd and we need to be realistic. Main toh vaisi hi larger than life hero wali filmein karta hoon (I’ve been making films with larger-than-life heroes all along).”
He also shared his observation that Telugu films had something in common with the cinema language of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar. Salman said, “Eventually, that format comes from Salim Javed’s brand of cinema, but the South films have taken it to the next level.” Praising writers and directors down South Salman added, “Let’s hope there will be a time when they pick our scripts and remake our films. Also the fact is, the writers down South are very hardworking. And even the directors pay attention to making high-concept films.”
Sharing his opinion on film writing in a certain section of Hindi cinema, Salman said, “Some people believe that India exists between Cuffe Parade and Andheri. I believe that India exists beyond Cuffe Parade and Andheri. My films are based on that reality. They cater to that India and they deliver a message that resonates with the people who live in that India.”