What is Bollywood?

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Actually, Bollywood is the nickname for India's film industry. It is based out of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), which is how is earned the name - Bombay's Hollywood.

Bollywood produces in excess of 800 films a year, and is the largest film enterprise on the planet. Much larger than Hollywood's.

Bollywood films are typically musicals, almost always including song and dance numbers.

Bollywood movies are typically long, about three hours. They sometimes even have an intermission. As mentioned, they always contain large dance musical numbers. They also have many genres in them compared to Hollywood films, like comedy, drama, romance, etc.

I get the impression from some Indian actors being interviewed and some forum conversations that the term Bollywood was originally uncomplimentary. It implied that Indian films were "following" Hollywood. However commercial interests embraced the term and have used it to identify and sell movies. I prefer to reference films as Indian, Telugan, etc...since Bollywood is not a place and Hollywood is a place. However, many American films are "branded" as Hollywood when those films have nothing to do with Hollywood. I have an open mind if someone wants to help evolve my opinion.

Caravelle232