Introducing Southscope, an English language magazine dedicated to South Indian cinema.

I have been working for the last few months dedicatedly on this venture of mine. I am extremely passionate about what I have started. I would like to introduce to you SOUTHSCOPE, an English language magazine dedicated to South Indian cinema. It’s in a way, a tribute to the movies I have grown up watching, the culture I was born into and the industry that gives me my bread and butter.

Having been born and raised amidst movies in Chennai, which was then home to the Tamil and Telugu film industries, I have had the privilege of hobnobbing with the fraternity while shooting in the same studio on neighboring soundstages, at movie premieres and other social gatherings. It felt like one large extended family, where everybody knew each other. There was a lot of cross-pollination of talent as everybody was aware of the other’s work. Actors, technicians and producers from one industry were active in the other too.  There was competition and collaboration amongst the talent from different industries.

But as the Telugu industry shifted and made Hyderabad its new capital, the close bond shared by the industries was missing. I was always looking on how to bring all the four industries on a single platform. How to bring back the old bond they shared? How to increase participation of talent from one industry in the other? Southscope is the answer.

Also, I noticed that telugu and tamil movies are really popular in Karnataka. Telugu movies perform well in Tamil Nadu, due to the large telugu-speaking population. Tamil movies have a boxoffice run on-par with local releases in Kerala, while Malayalam movies too get a decent release in Chennai. Many Telugus are aware and curious about Tamil movies they are similar in DNA, have actors and technicians who’re popular in Andhra too. Only while studying movies academically in college did I discover some of the masterpieces and stalwarts produced by Malayalam and Kannada cinema. As a cinephile, I felt I was under-informed about my other Southern neighbours. Information on these industries is scarce, as most film publications are in their vernacular language.  So, there is an audience for movies from other languages in each state. How to reach those viewers, who might be interested in the happening of the other industry? Southscope, again is the answer.

In a country that boasts of a vibrant media, it’s strange that South Indian film industry has never been never been anybody’s subject of interest. As a publisher, I see an opportunity to present my favourite subject like never before.

For me, Southscope is the manifestation of a vision. I envision Southscope as more than a magazine. The idea is to be the brand ambassador of South Indian cinema to the outside world. We have been fortunate to have some of the most respected, dynamic and accomplished journalists in the country on our editorial board. Backed by that strength, I, on behalf of Southscope, promise exemplary standards in the quality of journalism and high production values. It’s not only going to be informative, but also the best presentation in terms of photography, design and printing.

A lot of research, attention and detail have been put into the making of this magazine. Yet, we’re still pruning our product and looking for your feedback. I want to deliver it to you, exactly the way you’d want to read a magazine. I would be very happy to deliver a free copy of the first issue at your doorstep. Kindly, click here for details. The first issue is going to hit the stands across south India by 1^st October 2009. It will available in major book-stores in the non-Southern metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata also.

There are a lot of people I have to thank with this regard. My partner, Srinivasulu Moorthy. The project wouldn’t have come to life if not for his support. My editor Vanaja Banagiri who literally put together the whole editorial team and drives the engine. My editorial coordinator Sridevi Sridhar in Chennai, photographer G. Venket Ram, my design team headed by Rajashekar, my editorial team in Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin and Bangalore. I thank my father Allu Arvind for believing in my ability, and funding my dream. Also, my family members who have extended their support in this venture – Charan, Bunny and Bobby. Space is not sufficient to put out all the other names that’ve helped me, but I hope they all realize how indebted I am to them for coming onboard for this venture of mine.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Allu Sirish.
Publisher & CEO, Southscope.