The name “Bollywood Over Hollywood” was born out of a frustration of the strong hold Hollywood has over world entertainment and the negative results of that monopoly. Although Hollywood has sometimes been used as a vehicle for positive social change, it has also been a proponent of the ethnocentric idea that “White is better”, “White is more beautiful”, “White is smarter” which has had devastating effects on the consciousness of non-White people the world over.
Bollywood, as well as Tollywood, Kollywood and India’s other regional film industries, have thankfully always remained resilient in the face of this and continued to grow bigger and bigger in spite of Westernization.
What I aim to do with this platform is to take an analytical look at the ever expanding Bollywood film industry and try to deconstruct it and find its raison d’etre in the world today.
In other words, I take my Bollywood very seriously.
Rashad
-Creator, Bollywood Over Hollywood/Palestinian Indophile
Hey Rashad!
First of all, wanted to say that i really like your blog. Appreciate your honest reviews about bollywood movies.
I was wondering if you’ve ever watched Malayalam movies. They belong to the south indian film industry.
Most people back out from watching South Indian movies as the first thing they picture is Rajnikanth and his mostly unrealistic superhero-like movies. But these are from the Tamil industry (you probably know this, but just saying 😅). Although, Tamil too has some good movies. Have you watched the thriller ‘Ratchasan’? It’s really, really good.
Malayalam movies are much more realistic; i would say they’re more realistic than bollywood movies even. They have better scripts, good actors and directors, and are mostly created on low-budgets without compromising on quality.
Some good movies that came out recently are ‘Kumbalangi Nights’ , ‘Parava’, ‘Premam’ etc. You can find subtitles for these.
I think Malayalam industry is very under-rated. Even in India. Probably because the actors are not good looking according to bollywood standards or because they don’t use grand sets and expensive locations like bollywood does.
Nevertheless, if you haven’t checked them out, please do so. I don’t say this as a Malayalee, but a fellow film entusiast that appreciates good movies 😊
Peace out
You don’t have to sell me on Malayali cinema. Loved Kumbalangi Nights mostly because I love Fahad Faasil. I also absolutely love pretty much every single one of Adoor Gopalkrishnan’s films.
That being said, my first passion will always be Hindi cinema.
I wholeheartedly disagree with your assumption that Malayali actors are less good looking – Dulquer Salmaan is the most good looking Indian actor working today.