Hollywood Firms Continue to Invest in Bollywood

Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. show a lot of promise / ʃoʊ ə lɒt əvˈprɒm ɪs / (idiom) – to have great potential to be successful
    Example:

    She was given a scholarship because she shows a lot of promise.


  2. content / ˈkɒn tɛnt / (n) – creative materials in the form of videos, text, etc.
    Example:

    She writes content for websites.


  3. resonate / ˈrɛz əˌneɪt / (v) – to affect someone emotionally
    Example:

    The song resonates with a lot of people.


  4. ongoing / ˈɒnˌgoʊ ɪŋ / (adj) – continuing until the present
    Example:

    The series started last year and is still ongoing.


  5. net / nɛt / (v) – to earn
    Example:

    The new company netted over $50 million last year.


Article

Read the text below.

More Hollywood entertainment producers are investing in Bollywood as the Indian film industry continues to show a lot of promise.


Since 2007, major American producers like Walt Disney, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., and Fox Star Studios have been investing in Bollywood. American content makers Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are now also venturing into the Indian entertainment market. These producers have been featuring Bollywood stars and collaborating with local Indian producers to create content that resonates with Indian audiences.


Recently, Amazon Prime Video has just released its first Indian series, Inside Edge, featuring some famous Bollywood stars. Netflix also has an ongoing original series called Master of None, which stars Indian actor Aziz Ansari. A few years back, prominent US network American Broadcasting Company (ABC) has also chosen Indian superstar Priyanka Chopra as the main lead for the TV drama series Quantico. Chopra’s role in the series is considered a breakthrough in American television, where Indian talents are usually only given side roles.


The growing international attention to Bollywood is due to its roster of successful movies. For instance, Dangal [DANG-guhl], an Indian sports film starring Aamir Khan, netted over $300 million from theaters worldwide. Khan also starred in other international blockbusters such as 3 Idiots and PK.


In 2016 alone, the industry had a gross box-office revenue of $2.1 billion. According to a research by Deloitte / dəˈlɔɪt / India, Bollywood’s profit is anticipated to grow at the rate of 11% annually and reach $3.7 billion by 2020.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• How do you think Hollywood firms’ investment in Bollywood will affect the Indian film industry?
• Do you think it is a good idea for local film producers to invest in foreign film industries? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• How can a film industry be successful within its own country?
• In creating content (e.g. films, shows, etc.), should producers consider the international market? Why or why not?