Siddharth Roy Kapur explains the phenomenon behind Dangal’s immense success in China, where the film grossed over Rs 2000 crore internationally.
When “Dangal” hit theaters in 2016, it became a colossal success in India, grossing Rs 387.38 crore nett in the domestic market. However, its international release saw unprecedented box office figures, particularly in China, where it grossed over Rs 2070 crore. Reflecting on the film’s global triumph, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur recently delved into what contributed to its international appeal.
In an interview with Film Companion, Kapur emphasized that greenlighting a film based on its potential international success is not advisable. Instead, the priority should be its performance in the domestic market, with international expansion considered afterward. Regarding “Dangal,” he highlighted the cultural parallels between India and China, particularly their patriarchal societies, which resonated deeply with Chinese audiences.
Kapur expressed astonishment at the film’s $200 million success in China, attributing it to cultural similarities. He explained that the story’s portrayal of a wrestler from rural Haryana resonated with Chinese viewers, who empathized with his aspirations for his daughters. This unexpected cultural connection, Kapur noted, played a significant role in the film’s remarkable success abroad.
Siddharth Roy Kapur remarked that while they couldn’t entirely attribute their success in China to a specific reason, in hindsight, cultural resonance played a significant role. He emphasized the importance of identifying such themes in a film objectively, acknowledging that not every film has the potential to do so. He advised filmmakers to ensure proper distribution to maximize their chances of success in the international market.
Kapur emphasized that it’s not feasible to reverse-engineer a story to fit international standards. He stressed the importance of staying true to the story one wants to tell.
“Dangal” remains the top-performing Indian film internationally, followed by “Baahubali 2,” which grossed over Rs 1700 crore, and “RRR,” which grossed over Rs 1200 crore.