DocuBay, the global streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, renowned for its compelling documentaries, is set to unveil its latest original offering, Fanatics, on Saturday.The film explores the intense devotion of South Indian cinema fans and their emotional and societal connection to their idols.
The documentary takes an insightful look at the psyche of fans whose passionate loyalty and extreme acts of reverence have redefined the concept of fandom. Fanatics journeys through the cultural heartlands of South India, highlighting the phenomenon of fans building temples for their favourite stars and performing life-altering acts of devotion.
It presents both the emotional ties fans share with their icons and the sometimes troubling consequences of such obsessions.Tracing the origins of this fan culture, Fanatics goes back to the era of legendary Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran, before capturing the evolving dynamics of fan culture around stars like Rajinikanth, Allu Arjun, and Vijay Sethupathi.
Through candid interviews with iconic figures such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, the documentary reflects on the unique bond between actors and fans, and its profound impact on society.
Actor Allu Arjun shared his perspective in the documentary, saying, "Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. And, stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause. All actors, whether they agree or not, do have an impact on people, and we should be responsible for how we subconsciously guide them."
Kichcha Sudeep, another prominent figure in the documentary, reflected on the overwhelming devotion of fans, stating, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”
Fanatics is a gripping exploration of fandom, featuring stories of fans undergoing extreme measures like piercing their tongues or tattooing their bodies in the name of love for their stars. It also sheds light on the intricate relationship between fan devotion and the box-office success of South Indian cinema, offering a new perspective on the film industry’s business in the region. (UNI)
