Why Mani Ratnam Thinks Hindi Cinema Should Stop Using the Term 'Bollywood

The article reports that acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam has suggested that Hindi cinema should stop referring to itself as "Bollywood." Ratnam, who is known for his work in the Tamil and Hindi film industries, reportedly made this comment during a recent interview. He argued that the term "Bollywood" reinforces the idea that Hindi cinema is derivative of Hollywood, rather than a distinct and vibrant industry in its own right.

Ratnam also reportedly spoke about the need for Indian filmmakers to be more confident in their own storytelling traditions, rather than relying too heavily on Hollywood-style techniques and formulas. He suggested that the industry should focus on creating original content that reflects the unique perspectives and experiences of Indian audiences, rather than simply trying to replicate Western-style blockbusters.

The article notes that Ratnam's comments have sparked some debate among Indian film fans and industry insiders, with some agreeing with his critiques of the "Bollywood" label and others defending it as a useful shorthand for the Hindi film industry.