Is 'Bollywood' really #1 in the world?

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532095

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Posted: 15 years ago

😕 American shows have proclaimed "Bollywood" as the #1 film industry in the world. But, that is because India makes more movies than any other country. But, just because India makes more films, doesn't mean it is #1. Far from it. Bollywood produces a lot of bad films and it seems like quantity is more important than quality. A lot of people can argue that "Hollywood" is better than "Bollywood." This can be for a number of reasons: scripts, acting, genres, etc. Plus, I know "Hollywood" makes a lot of bad films as well, but not to the extent of "Bollywood." Also, a lot of "Bollywood" films never get nominated in the "Best Foreign Film" category at the Oscars. Most "Hollywood" directors/industry executives complain that the films are to long with unnecessary songs. And only Aamir Khan has succeeded in getting "Lagaan" nominated. No other contemporary actor/actress has been able to achieve this accomplishment.

I bet there are a lot of other film industries which are better in terms of scripts, acting, genres (i.e. Spanish, European, etc.). But, do you really feel "Bollywood" is #1 in the world of cinema?

Your thoughts? 🥱

Edited by eroticlover - 15 years ago

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MadhuriDixit

@MadhuriDixit

Rocker

Posted: 15 years ago

Usually American shows say it is the biggest film industry churning out more than 1000 movies a year or something of that nature. I don't think anyone has said its number one. An i dont think any americans would admit that anything is "better" than hollywood

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344471

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Posted: 15 years ago

Originally posted by: eroticlover
😕 American shows have proclaimed "Bollywood" as the #1 film industry in the world.

On what basis? Surely not in terms of quality?

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.khoobsurat.

@.khoobsurat.

Stunner

+ 2

Posted: 15 years ago

Yes, even Arab channels say that!

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532095

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Posted: 15 years ago

Originally posted by: PhoeniXof_Hades

On what basis? Surely not in terms of quality?

In terms of quantity and the number of films India makes per year! That is the basis these American shows are claiming.

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Sunara

@princessunara

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+ 8

Posted: 15 years ago

Ok any1 telling that B'wood films have hardly won at American award ceremonies...one que for u..has any foreign film won a single award n India?
don't devalue ur own industry...

n well 4 me i usually prefer B'wood over H'wood though thr r exceptions...

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chatpati900

@chatpati900

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Posted: 15 years ago

I have really NEVER heard that. As far as I know, Hollywood doesn't think very highly of Bollywood movies and I can't say I blame them. Yes, we have the occasional Lagaan and Mother India but for every good movie that Bollywood makes, a 100 terrible movies are also produced. Every industry has good and bad movies but the problem with Bollywood is that it rarely produces a truly good movie. 70% of the movies are remakes of Hollywood movies and I sincerely believe that lack of originality is what is making the world lose respect for Bollywood (the little respect we had anyway). If we keep stealing ideas from other industries and adding song and dance routines to "indian-ify" them, how are we ever going to be recognized for world-class cinema?

In addition, most of our actresses have either entered Bollywood because they were a model or beauty queen or because they're the daughter of a yesteryear actor/actress. Note that none of those have any relation to acting talent. This applies to actors too. And to make it even better, we also still have 40-year old actors romancing 18-year old girls because obviously, men retire at 60 while women retire at 30. We still only have 2 genres: romantic and comedy movies (and mostly those two genres are combined to give romantic comedies). Occasionally, we'll have something different but it'll simply end up being labeled as "arthouse cinema" unless it is produced/directed by Aamir Khaan. Our industry is plagued with star kids and cliques that allow little room for talented individuals without filmy connections.

Bollywood has a long way to go before they can be respected and recognized as a movie industry that produces quality movies. Innovative scripts, realistic movies and truly talented actors would be a good start.

Edited by chatpati900 - 15 years ago

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Something Or The Other

@ShadowKisses

Dazzler

+ 3

Posted: 15 years ago

You are using the Indian film industry and Bollywood as synonyms - they aren't. The Indian film industry (IFI) as a whole makes more movies (1000+) than any other country, not Bollywood alone. IFI is inclusive of all regional movies that don't fall under hindi regional cinema (aka Bollywood). So, if we go by the IFI, then yes, there are plenty of good movies not just in Hindi that are pretty darn good by anyone's standards but they tend to fly under the radar given the supposed supremacy of BW. About time BW gets off its high horse because it has become a cesspool where crap is churned out by the dozen.

As for Hollywood, meh. There are some gems here and there but generally, I don't think it is the standard everyone should strive to achieve. IMO, european cinema is a lot better - for instance it's hard to believe La Cage Aux Folles was made back in the 70s. I've also recently gotten into Spanish cinema thanks to Almodovar and I have to say, I've liked what I've seen so far. A lot of people say european cinema can't do entertainment - um, seen "Let The Right One In"?

Edited by ShadowKisses - 15 years ago

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MoonRivers

@MoonRivers

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Posted: 15 years ago

Haven't heard anyone say that. But yes, in the recent years BW has only made a few good films. As much as I love BW, they're not the best when it comes to script. I think they need to stop obsessing over all the gloss they put in their movies. For example, I loved AA. But I keep thinking how much better the movie could have been without the designer clothes and the club song.

And OMG I love Let The Right One In! I was born and raised in Sweden so I got really excited when it came on UK TV! (where I live now). And many other Swedish films are brilliant as well! I also love Spanish and French films. Another amazing industry is the Chinese, Japanese and Korean! All of them are superb. And mostly because their films, no matter what genre, are centered around emotions and they don't really care about much else. Hollywood doesn't always make great films but they are def better than Bollywood.

And this remake trend HAS to stop!

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344471

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Posted: 15 years ago

#10

Originally posted by: princessunara
Ok any1 telling that B'wood films have hardly won at American award ceremonies...one que for u..has any foreign film won a single award n India?
don't devalue ur own industry...

Um, is there a category for "Foreign films" at Indian/Bollywood award shows? Enlighten me, because I can't recall any.

Edit: No one is devaluing their own industry, by the way.

Edited by PhoeniXof_Hades - 15 years ago