Quality of southern cinema has improved: Benegal

National award-winning filmmaker Shyam Benegal feels the southern film industry over the last few years has undergone drastic transformation with films like "Baahubali" and "Kaaka Muttai", which have been unanimously appreciated.

"At one point, Indian films could barely find place in international film festivals. But today, you will find at least one Indian entry in all leading film festivals across the globe.

"Southern films too have started to explore international markets, which is a very good sign," Benegal told IANS on the sidelines of the All Lights India International Film Festival.

"Films such as 'Baahubali' and 'Kaaka Muttai' have proved that southern cinema is on the right track and are able to communicate themselves to the audience irrespective of where they are from," he said.

About the importance of film festival culture in the country, Benegal feels it helps Indian filmmakers look beyond our films.

"When you are making and watching films made in your own country, you're blinkered and can't see beyond that. Film festivals should always be welcomed as they are venues for making filmmaking better," he said.