Hollywood vs Bollywood: Competing in the International Film Scene
Hollywood and Bollywood are two of the biggest film industries in the world. Both of them have their unique styles, but their similarities are just as striking. They may have different audiences, cultures, and languages, but they both have contributed significantly to the film industry. The competition between the two has been intense over the years, and here is an overview of their story.
Hollywood
Hollywood is a place located in Los Angeles, California, famous for several movie studios and movies produced there. It’s an industry with a long history of producing movies, from silent films to digital movies. Hollywood has developed a style of filmmaking that is known worldwide, with a team of professional writers, producers, actors, and directors. The movies that are produced in Hollywood are not only entertaining but also showcase different aspects of society, culture, and history. The industry produces approximately 500 movies per year, and its global box office revenue reached $42 billion in 2019.
Bollywood
Bollywood is an informal term for the Hindi-language film industry that is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It’s the largest film production hub in the world, producing 1,200-1,800 movies per year. Like Hollywood, Bollywood has developed its filmmaking style, combining various elements, such as drama, music, dance, and romance. Most of the movies produced in Bollywood are known for their colorful themes, music, and choreography.
Competition
The rivalry between Hollywood and Bollywood started in the early 2000s, with Bollywood’s aggressive expansion into international markets. Bollywood movies were initially popular with the Indian diaspora worldwide. However, in recent times, it has gained popularity in western markets, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.
As Bollywood gained more recognition in the west, the competition with Hollywood grew stiffer. In 2013, Bollywood surpassed Hollywood in terms of the number of movies produced. Bollywood’s box office revenue worldwide was estimated to be $2.7 billion in 2019, while Hollywood’s box office revenue worldwide was $42 billion, according to Box Office Mojo.
However, Bollywood has become more aggressive in its expansion strategy, collaborating with Hollywood and other film industries worldwide. Bollywood actors, such as Priyanka Chopra, have made their mark in Hollywood, contributing to the integration of the two industries. This integration has led to co-production of movies such as ‘The Jungle Book,’ ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ and ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’
Conclusion
Hollywood and Bollywood have undoubtedly made tremendous contributions to the film industry worldwide. Both industries have different styles and appeal to different audiences. The competition between the two has been tough, but co-production and collaboration have brought them together in recent times. The increased integration between the two industries is a win for the global film industry, giving audiences worldwide the chance to experience unique movies that blend Hollywood and Bollywood’s unique styles.