Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar interview: ‘America America 2’ steps out of the original’s shadow

It’s been close to three decades since America America (1997) hit the screens, and I remind Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar of the impact the film had on Kannadigas. The movie contrasted the romanticised notion of America as the ultimate aspiration with the emotional isolation experienced by Indian migrants in the US. I tell him that his powerful analogy that compared one’s country to a mother convinced people to stay in India, encouraging them to value native roots and traditions.

Chandrashekhar had something to say in opposition: “During my interactions with Indian-Americans at airports, several told me that my film inspired them to envision a life in America. They were perhaps captivated by the country’s geographical beauty and impressed by the economic opportunities it offered.