By Arun Kumar, Indo-Asian News Service
Washington, Aug 10 (IANS) It's official: Bollywood films are
becoming increasingly popular in the US as the latest blockbusters
bring in millions at the box office and new fans eagerly await the
next release.
Films from India do more business in the US than films from any
other country, says an article in 'The Washington File', an online
resource of the State Department's Bureau of International
Information Programmes.
One of India's largest film producers and distributors, Yash Raj
Films, reported in September 2005 that Bollywood films in the US
earn around $100 million a year through theatre screenings, video
sales and the sale of movie soundtracks, citing the Internet Movie
Database, an organisation that tracks box office sales in several
countries.
Although a small number in comparison to the mainstream US film
industry, these figures contribute significantly to the bottom line
of Indian filmmakers, said the article on USINFO website that
delivers information about current US foreign policy and American
life and culture.
The increasing popularity of Indian cinema, often called "Bollywood
Mania" by the press, is driving Indian filmmaking to new heights in
terms of quality, cinematography and innovative story lines, it
said.
As technical quality advances, moviegoers come in ever increasing
numbers to watch the latest movies arriving from India's largest
city.
Entertainment Weekly reports that the now $8 billion film industry
produces more than 900 movies a year in more than 20 languages,
which makes India the world's most prolific film producer.
For the Indian crowd, the music and songs are a major draw to the
movie.
