With the release of his upcoming action thriller Hit 3 just around the corner, Telugu actor Nani has sparked headlines—not just for the film, but also for his candid response to Salman Khan’s recent statement about South Indian audiences and their reception of Bollywood films.

Nani Counters Salman’s Views on South Viewership

In a recent interview with DNA, Nani respectfully disagreed with Salman Khan’s claim that Bollywood films do not receive the same love from South audiences. Addressing the topic with nuance, Nani highlighted the longstanding cultural impact of Hindi cinema across southern states.

“The affection for Bollywood in the South has been around for decades,” he shared. “Ask anyone here about their favorite Hindi film, and they’ll recall Amitabh Bachchan or classics like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Dil Toh Pagal Hai. These were massive hits in Hyderabad and beyond.”

He also emphasized Salman Khan’s own popularity in the region, stating, “Of course his films worked here. Without that, how did he become a superstar? Hum Aapke Hain Koun had a cultural impact. Songs like Didi Tera Deewana were staples at weddings.”

Meanwhile, Salman Khan, while promoting his film Sikandar in March, pointed to budget issues and script alignment as reasons why cross-industry collaborations between Bollywood and South cinema remain limited. He mentioned that while southern stars enjoy wide acceptance in the North, the reverse isn’t as common.

‘Hit 3’: High Stakes and High Expectations

As debates around cinema preferences unfold, Nani is fully focused on Hit 3, the latest installment in the successful HIT Universe. The film, directed by Sailesh Kolanu, is set to release on May 1 and follows Arjun Sarkaar—played by Nani—who is tasked with solving a brutal series of murders in Jammu and Kashmir.

The storyline intensifies as Arjun dives deep into a high-stakes investigation, targeting a network of serial killers threatening national security. The film’s gritty tone and realistic action sequences earned it an ‘A’ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification due to strong depictions of violence.

The buzz surrounding the movie continues to build, with fans eager to see how this third chapter expands the established narrative. As the Indian film industry evolves, with increasing dialogue around regional vs. national reach, Hit 3 arrives at a time when discussions around market trends, audience behavior, and cross-industry unity are more relevant than ever.

That said, the film’s launch could also reflect a broader shift in how audiences across India embrace storytelling, beyond language and region. With stars like Nani standing up for inter-industry appreciation, the future may hold more collaborative cinema than ever before.