Hailed as the leading industry in the world, Indian cinema is a multi-crore industry producing approximately 700-900 films per year. And yes, there is an audience ready to swallow whatever the industry has to offer.
The Indian audience loves movies that have a mix of most genres like drama, music, action, adventure, tragedy…all mixed in one. This is what they call paisa vasool in the Hindi language, which means complete value for money. All genres are packed into one infuriating 3-hour experience that releases every Friday. Multiplexes and individual movie theaters start preparation for the premiere 2 days before. But advance booking sometimes starts a week in advance 3 or 4 days in advance so sponsors can reserve their tickets early while producers, distributors and exhibitors are sure of the incoming money flow.
Bollywood is the name given to all movies made especially in Hindi in India. It is sourced from Hollywood, which stands as the epitome of English movies. There is also Tollywood for all the Telugu films made in South India. Therefore, there are various aberrations in Bollywood for the local movies of a particular place.
Songs are central to all Bollywood movies. The lyricist and musical director play an important role. There has been a marked transition from the music of yesteryear to the music of today. But then the change is important as the country is experiencing a wave of modernity among people and households. The lyrics are now cooler with modern youth in mind and the music is also hip hop, rock and funk. Filming locations have seen a big change from Indian locations to foreign shores as it adds a lot of drama and brings freshness to otherwise serious filming locations. Italy, England, Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Manila, Mauritius, you name it and the Indian crew has been there to shoot their movie.
Some of the all time favorite Hindi movies include Jugnoo, Junglee, Deewar, Sholay, Kashmir ki Kali, Mother India, Mughal-e-azam, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Rang De Basanti, Munnabhai MBBS, Darna Mana Hai, Chak De India and Taare Zameen. By.