A New Bollywood?

June 16, 2012 in Daily Bulletin

Rajini Vaidyanathan reported on the rise of a new type of film in the Indian film industry:

  • There has been a new class of films in Bollywood that is darker and grittier.
  • These films often cast unknown actors in the lead roles.
  • Directors say that it would not have been possible for them to make these films five years ago. However new sources of financing and developing technology have made it easier than ever to become a filmmaker.
  • A unique challenge to Indian films is that the majority of a produciton’s revenue is made through box-office sales. Unlike in the west DVD sales are not a significant source of revenue. Therefore a widespread release is crucial.
  • This doesn’t mean that the older-style Bollywood films are dead. Despite (or perhaps because) they have adapted a little, they still dominate the movie charts.

To read more about the film about the sperm donor, the director who is being compared to Tarantino, the five hour film that premiered at Cannes, a movie about bin Laden, and many other fascinating examples click here.

Source: BBC News