Do we have an inferiority complex vis a vis Hollywood?

Hey!

Question that has been on my mind.

Is there a general feeling among not just the audience but even the actors themselves that Hollywood is somehow superior to Indian cinema industries?

Anecdotal evidence, but I remember this comparison between PC and Pamela 'cause of Baywatch and people were like, "Obviously Pamela Anderson". I was like, what's so obvious about it? Is it only obvious because she is white and blonde?

Has Hollywood's soft power increased to the point that people will appreciate their content without really using their mind?

Another interview about BW vs HW had one girl saying, "Hollywood obviously", when asked which was better. I don't have a problem with her saying Hollywood but rather the 'obviously' part.

Mahesh Bhatt's opinion on India's 'insatiable lust for Oscars' also comes to mind, which ironically, his daughter is also a part of.

The Oscars aren't some transparent or impartial institution. They mostly choose American movies and are not necessarily an international hallmark for the best movies.

I also see that when BW celebs are asked about their crushes, they mostly mention HW celebs like it's some badge of honour. 😆 As if mentioning someone South Asian isn't classy enough. I think Ranbir Kapoor has mentioned JLaw and Fawad Khan Anne Hathaway. RK also fangirls over Natalie Portman and Quentin Tarantino, but would he do the same for BW stars?

Kind of rambled, but what say?

bcoz hw movies r better. i spend more money on hw movies by watching them in theatres. y should i watch krish 3 when i have options like avengers and dark knight?😎 i only watch kat khans akki ranbir movies in theatre! hr n other stars movie i only watch when i like trailer n songs!

Originally posted by: bosskibiwi

bcoz hw movies r better. i spend more money on hw movies by watching them in theatres. y should i watch krish 3 when i have options like avengers and dark knight?😎 i only watch kat khans akki ranbir movies in theatre! hr n other stars movie i only watch when i like trailer n songs!

Fair point. I agree that there is more variety when it comes to HW, but not all of them are good movies. They also turn out their fair share of BW-style masala movies.

I watch the Fast and the Furious series, but honestly, the stunts in FF5 or later weren't any different from a Rajnikanth movie. It had its fair share of cliches- all-conquering protagonist, arm candy women etc.

My question is- do we think something is better simply because it is HW? If the same product came from BW or any Indian industry, would we appreciate it?

Look at Suicide Squad or Man of Steel- they weren't appreciated too much.

Yes.

Originally posted by: clarity

Fair point. I agree that there is more variety when it comes to HW, but not all of them are good movies. They also turn out their fair share of BW-style masala movies.

I watch the Fast and the Furious series, but honestly, the stunts in FF5 or later weren't any different from a Rajnikanth movie. It had its fair share of cliches- all-conquering protagonist, arm candy women etc.

My question is- do we think something is better simply because it is HW? If the same product came from BW or any Indian industry, would we appreciate it?

Look at Suicide Squad or Man of Steel- they weren't appreciated too much.

Originally posted by: SherlockHouse

hw is OBVIOUSLY better

Better in some aspects, not so much in others.

I like the fact that a Chris Evans can do both Avengers and a Before We Go (If I remember the name correctly). He is not constrained by his stardom like SRK, Salman are.

Even if it is better, does that warrant looking down on Indian cinema? Maybe it's because of a cultural difference?

Originally posted by: clarity

Better in some aspects, not so much in others.

I like the fact that a Chris Evans can do both Avengers and a Before We Go (If I remember the name correctly). He is not constrained by his stardom like SRK, Salman are.

Even if it is better, does that warrant looking down on Indian cinema? Maybe it's because of a cultural difference?

Originally posted by: cpatel90

Yes.

Not just for crush, if asked about their idols, they would generally give some Hollywood name.

And then we have some top actors like Saif and Kareena who may not get work in Hollywood but only watch Hollywood films like Bollywood is bad.

Saif and Kareena- I remember that. Didn't she once say Saif only watches HW movies?

Idols- Yes, they do that. It is a bit embarrassing to watch. Raving over an industry that routinely looks down on them.

HW is absolutely better and superior in one way. Name one starkid who was launched by a parent or someone like KJO.

lol fast n furious stunts r way better than indian movies. hw movies r better in every aspect! bw has a long way to go!