12th Fail director Vidhu Vinod Chopra calls for unity, rejects South vs Bollywood comparison 

At the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, a series of engaging masterclasses are showcasing some of the brightest talents in Indian cinema. During one such masterclass, moderated by renowned music composer Shantanu Moitra, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra offered a fascinating glimpse into his career and personal life through an insightful conversation.

When asked by an audience member about the growing success of South Indian films compared to Bollywood in recent years, Chopra responded thoughtfully: “It’s not about South versus Bollywood. The success of films depends on the quality of the movies. If tomorrow films made on the moon are better than those from the South, they will take the lead. South filmmakers are currently producing outstanding work, but we are all part of the same Indian cinema. We need to move beyond this division. Even Malayalam cinema is a vital part of us. We are all progressing together.”

Chopra also shared exciting news about his iconic 2009 film 3 Idiots, revealing plans to re-release the film in 8K next year after an extensive restoration process. “We’ve invested significantly in restoring all our films, and 3 Idiots will be re-released in 8K,” he said. “The film’s core message has always been about striving for excellence, with the belief that success will naturally follow.”