Vijay Deverakonda Reflects on Hollywood’s Cinematic Supremacy and Global Language Reach
During his panel at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, actor Vijay Deverakonda expressed strong views about Hollywood’s global cultural influence. Speaking with Kareena Kapoor and Karan Johar on the theme The Power of Cinema, Deverakonda emphasized how the widespread use of the English language has elevated Hollywood as a global cinematic powerhouse.
He stated that the fact most of the world consumes English-language content is a direct consequence of colonial history. According to him, this historical imposition of language has now positioned Western countries, particularly the United States, as dominant players in the film industry. Deverakonda remarked, “The fact that we all converse in English is a huge soft power win for the West.”
He suggested that India needs to reclaim its cultural identity and not just accept the status quo. The actor’s comments underline a broader concern about how linguistic and cultural colonization continues to influence global entertainment markets.
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Global Reach and Actor Earnings
Vijay Deverakonda also addressed the stark disparity in earnings between Hollywood actors and Indian film stars. Using Brad Pitt as an example, he highlighted that actors like Pitt earn nearly 100 times more than him—not necessarily due to talent or performance, but because of the reach of the English language.
He explained, “If Brad Pitt and I both release a movie, his film will reach more people simply because it’s in English. That gives him 100x more viewership, which translates directly into income.” This, he said, was not a fault of present-day actors but the result of colonial policies implemented centuries ago.
Deverakonda’s reflections bring attention to how linguistic legacy impacts global viewership and commercial success in cinema. His comment positions language as a primary factor in the film industry’s economic hierarchy, often overshadowing creativity and cultural richness.
If Indian Languages Were Global, Indian Cinema Would Lead, Suggests Deverakonda
Deverakonda also voiced regret over how Indian languages lost the opportunity to dominate global discourse. He posed a hypothetical: what if Indian ancestors had promoted Hindi or Telugu the same way English was spread?
“If our ancestors had been more proactive, maybe the world would speak Telugu or Hindi today,” he speculated. He added that cinema could be a tool to restore pride in native languages, saying, “Cinema is one thing that keeps us close to our language.”
This sentiment emphasizes his belief that Indian cinema should strive to reinforce linguistic and cultural identity, even in a globalized marketplace. Deverakonda urged the industry to focus on producing compelling regional content that connects emotionally with people worldwide—regardless of language barriers.
WAVES 2025 Brings Industry Titans Together to Discuss the Future of Global Entertainment
WAVES 2025, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a four-day summit hosted in Mumbai that brings together the biggest names in Indian cinema. The event includes a wide range of panel discussions, interviews, and workshops focused on the future of audio-visual storytelling.
Celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Rajinikanth, Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt are scheduled to participate. The summit aims to explore both creative and technological advances in entertainment, giving industry professionals a platform to share their visions and challenges.
Deverakonda’s panel, in particular, stood out for its bold commentary on language, history, and the economics of global cinema. His thoughts sparked a larger conversation on how India’s entertainment industry can better position itself on the world stage.
Deverakonda’s Comments Spark New Conversations on Language, Culture, and Cinema’s Global Reach
Vijay Deverakonda’s appearance at WAVES 2025 did more than entertain—it challenged prevailing norms in global cinema. By bringing attention to the historical roots of Hollywood’s dominance and linking it to the spread of the English language, he introduced a powerful narrative on cultural influence and soft power.
His remarks urged Indian creators to reflect not only on storytelling but also on the cultural vehicles that drive it forward. Deverakonda emphasized that reclaiming cultural identity doesn’t mean rejecting global trends—but rather understanding how to elevate native languages and stories within them.
As the global entertainment industry evolves, voices like his are essential in guiding how nations preserve culture while participating in a connected world. The summit continues through the weekend, offering more opportunities for discourse on cinema’s future.
