SS Rajamouli opens up about how Oscar campaign helps country’s economy, cites example of Korean film

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ scripted history when it bagged an Oscar in the Best Original Song category for its foot-tapping track ‘Naatu Naatu’. In a recent interview, he opened up about his team’s month-long Oscar campaign and how it significantly helps in the country’s progress.

Citing an example of the Korean film industry and how Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite’ helped broaden the country’s economy, Rajamouli said, ‘Why is Oscars such a big thing? If your films get recognition in the international arena, it is not just your film that gets the benefit or makes money. For example, South Korea, ten years back, was a very small industry. But after Parasite and a couple of hit shows, suddenly the industry has increased ten-fold.’

Speaking to his brother-in-law Dr AV Gurava Reddy, he added, ‘The point is, because there are people who are watching Korean films and shows and are liking it, the interest in Korean food industry has increased 100 times. The Korean cosmetic industry has seen growth because of its films. Cinema is a soft power. So if we can make inroads internationally with films, the Indian films will grow, but more than that Indian food industry, Indian fashion industry will become a multi-billion dollar industry.’

‘Parasite’, directed by Bong Joon-ho, became the first Korean movie to win the prestigious Academy Award. Following its win, audience across the globe has expressed more interest in Korean content, be it K-dramas or Korean pop music.

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