North-East Indians and South Indian Movies: A Cultural Connection

The cultural landscapes of North-East India and South India are vastly different. North-East Indians are often more isolated from mainstream Indian cultures, both from the northern and southern parts of the country, due to geographical and linguistic barriers. As a result, their familiarity with South Indian movies, particularly those from Kollywood (Tamil cinema), is often limited.

Limited Cultural Exposure

North-East Indian tribes and communities have a very limited cultural exposure to mainland India both in the 'South' and the 'North'. Outside of the more cosmopolitan cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, and Shillong, it is rare for these regions to have in-depth knowledge of cultural elements that could help in understanding films from Kollywood, Bollywood, or any other Indian film industry.

Since these northeastern cities do not have a regular screenplex or cinema culture, people there are not as familiar with South Indian movies. Unless a particular film generates enough buzz, it is unlikely to gain much traction among the general population in these areas.

Popularity and Language Barriers

The northeastern states have official languages like Assamese, Bodo, Garo, and more, which limits the exposure of residents to other languages, including Tamil. As such, while North Indians might be more open to South Indian cinema, northeasterners usually find it less accessible.

Reasons for Limited Familiarity

North Indians, with their often feudal, xenophobic, and imposing cultures, tend to have a general disdain for cultures where rice is the primary staple. This attitude can create barriers to understanding and appreciating South Indian movies. However, there are exceptions.

Personal Stories and Cultural Shift

One striking example is an Assamese friend who was profoundly influenced by Tamil culture after watching Tamil films. He became so entranced by the language and culture that he moved to Tamil Nadu and even learnt Tamil, fully immersing himself in the South Indian way of life.

Trend in Urban Areas

However, the situation changes in more urban areas. Those who work or study in cities like Bangalore, Cochin, and other metropolitan centers of the south are often much more familiar with and exposed to South Indian culture. In these places, it is common to see an appreciation for South Indian films, food, music, and lifestyle.

Conclusion

While the familiarity with South Indian movies is limited in many parts of North-East India, there are exceptions and opportunities for growth. As more people in the northeast move to larger cities or have access to digital platforms, the landscape is changing. Understanding cultural barriers and personal stories can help in appreciating the diverse cultural connections between North and South India.