As more and more Americans go to theatres to see blockbusters like “Baahubali 2,” Indian films have become more prominent moneymakers inside America, frequently grossing more than $8 million in their first week of release.
The 2017 International Indian Film Academy Festival, sometimes known as the Oscars of Bollywood, kicks off this weekend featuring musical acts as well as prizes at MetLife Stadium in New York City. If you can’t make it, use this as an excuse to catch up on some of the fantastic film nominations you would have missed otherwise.
“We’re promoting Indian film by bringing the stars closer to consumers throughout the world as well as expanding the number of screens,” IIFA director Viraf Sarkari told Moneyish.
Some people unfamiliar well with the genre may associate Bollywood films with such a hero who sings and dances, but this year’s “Best Picture” candidates address serious and timely subjects such as rape, terrorism, and the Olympics.
“Sports, human rights, as well as social concerns are indeed being addressed in a level that has never been done before,” says Sarkari.
As per Variety, Bollywood is indeed a $2.32 billion business, as well as India produces more films than just about any other country, roughly 1,500 to 2,000 each year in or more than 20 languages.
And the year has really been a record-breaking triumph for an Indian film. “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” a sequel to a fabled tale involving competing royal relatives battling one another in an ancient kingdom, had become the highest-earning Indian film ever in April, making $265 million globally.
Other notable Hollywood action sequels such as “Kick Ass Two,” “John Wick Chapter Two,” as well as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” grossed $61 million, $167 million, and $386 million worldwide, respectively.
In North America, “B2” became the first Indian film to gross more than $13 million in its first week of release, surpassing last year’s record-holder, wrestling drama “Dangal,” which grossed $12.4 million. Although competing against blockbusters such as “How to Be a Latin Lover” as well as “The Fate of the Furious,” “B2” landed in third there at the box office, topping “The Circle,” which starred Tom Hanks as well as Emma Watson and also was released in less than 500 cinemas.
Also Read: How has Bollywood influenced Indian culture?
