Despite Bollywood adopting a pan-India release model, most Hindi films struggle to gain traction in South Indian markets, unlike successful South Indian films in the Hindi belt. Experts suggest South Indian cinema's decades-long presence on Hindi satellite television created audience familiarity, softening linguistic barriers. This early exposure, featuring stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, prepared audiences for South Indian content, a familiarity Bollywood has not cultivated in the South. While some Hindi films achieve success, the trend indicates a persistent challenge for Bollywood in penetrating southern markets.