Diaspora disconnect: Patriotic films fail to strike a chord overseas

The Indian diaspora prefers mainstream entertainers, but shuns overtly patriotic movies, say experts

- Lata Jha

Despite a growing wave of nationalistic cinema in India, overseas audiences remain largely unmoved by its fervour. While films like Chhaava, Sky Force and The Kashmir Files struck a chord in India, their overseas performance tells a different story. Experts said Indian diaspora prefers mainstream entertainers packed with music and drama, steering clear of films seen as politically charged.

With ticket prices significantly higher abroad and no government-backed push for such narratives, the patriotic box office formula is failing to resonate beyond borders. For instance, Akshay Kumar-starrer Sky Force grossed a mere ₹13.7 crore overseas, while Kangana Ranaut's Emergency made ₹2.08 crore. Older titles like The Kashmir Files and