Team Blitz India
THE glitz, the glamour, the sheer energy of Bollywood’s song-anddance spectacles has been capturing hearts within India for decades. Yet, what was once a niche interest in the West is evolving into a vibrant cross-cultural exchange. From A-listers walking red carpets in lehengas to Hollywood blockbusters borrowing Bollywood’s masala formula, the influence is undeniable.
Just ask Priyanka Chopra Jonas. A leading Bollywood star, she shattered barriers with her starring role in the US TV series ‘Quantico’. Her effortless movement between Mumbai and Hollywood set the stage for more talent to follow, opening doors that seemed stubbornly shut even a decade ago.
It’s not merely individual stardom. Globally, Indian cinema sells more tickets annually than any other film industry. Investors took notice. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming giants significantly ramped up investments in Indian content, recognising that these captivating stories have universal appeal. ‘Sacred Games’, an edgy Mumbai-based thriller, broke streaming viewership records worldwide.
NO ONE-WAY STREET: Dance competitions filled with teens expertly replicating Bollywood moves pepper YouTube. This fascination stems not just from the elaborate choreography but the sheer joyfulness on display, standing in refreshing contrast to Hollywood’s sometimes gritty aesthetic. Even iconic American figures can’t resist the lure. Will Smith danced his heart out in a cameo for the film ‘Student of the Year 2’, declaring his love for Bollywood. Closer collaborations followed: Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series ‘Never Have I Ever’ cleverly blended American teen narratives with a strong dose of Indian family dynamics.
This isn’t simply a one-way street. Hollywood’s big-budget filmmaking expertise is increasingly tapped by Bollywood producers. Blockbusters like ‘Baahubali’ showcased visual effects with a dazzling, uniquely Indian flavour. And it’s not just India-centric stories. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, a British-Indian collaboration, swept the Oscars in 2009, further pushing the boundaries by spotlighting an Indian narrative for a global audience.
INDIA’S SOFT POWER: Beyond entertainment, this trend impacts India’s soft power. At a time when international relations are complex, movies and shows create positive associations with Indian culture. Diaspora communities proudly see their own lives reflected on-screen by international stars, boosting a sense of connection with their heritage. Of course, not all trends are rosy.
Accusations of nepotism within Bollywood persist, mirroring wider discussions about inclusivity in entertainment. Moreover, while globalisation presents new opportunities, anxieties exist about the homogenisation of content if studios simply chase profit by copying formulas.
Still, there are signs of balance. Independent Indian filmmakers gain broader platforms via film festivals, their work celebrated for its artistry and authentic portrayal of the complexities of modern India. This diversity of storytelling proves that Indian cinema isn’t monolithic; it holds within it multitudes.
Looking forward, the Bollywood-Hollywood collaboration seems unstoppa- ble. Studios are eager to tap into India’s vast market. Mega-hits like ‘RRR’, with its infectious ‘Naatu Naatu’ dance routine, prove that language is truly no barrier when the storytelling and visual language connects.
