To many consumers, Bollywood appears to be a rather new film sector. This is why it may be surprising to learn that its roots can be officially traced back to 1913 with the release of its first silent film. The only issue was that, at the time, the scope of this sector was limited due to geography, and the lack of any type of global e-commerce.
Bollywood began to throw off these shackles thanks, in part, to the introduction of the Internet in the 1990s. It gained further prominence in the 2010s, and Bollywood is now a household name to countless cinephiles from all walks of life. This is not only referring to user preferences, or the number of films produced each year.
A report released in early October found that the value of the Indian film industry may have topped $4 dollars. This would represent a milestone in terms of revenue generation, and it also clearly signals that producers are no longer focusing on domestic markets alone. What are some of the reasons why Bollywood has experienced so much success over the past few years? Might online entertainment ultimately represent its primary form of profit generation in the future? These questions certainly warrant a closer look.
Beyond the Silver Screen
One driving force behind the expanding reach of Bollywood actually has little to do with domestic film releases. This industry has begun to make its presence known throughout other circles, and the live dealer casino sector is one of many examples which can be cited. Some games that have been directly influenced by Indian culture include:
- Chota Bheem
- Cricket Star
- Teen Patti
- Adaptations of classics such as Andar Bahar
Why might Bollywood professionals choose this course of action? The strategy seems to be straightforward. They understand the fact that many Indians have become avid fans of online gaming, and that they regularly access the digital entertainment community. However, it is just as logical to point out that these very same games may appeal to players who are not familiar with Indian cinema. They could serve as introductions, and as a means to encourage further interest.
Finally, millions of Indian expats live abroad. The ability to enjoy Bollywood-themed games will provide them with a taste of home. Casinos specifically offering this genre may also be able to cement player loyalty over time. Bollywood has come to represent a cash cow in many ways, and its influence is only expected to rise in the coming years.
Streaming Services
Although streaming platforms may come to represent the bane of the traditional brick-and-mortar film industry, it is impossible to deny the impact they have had on the end user. These services are easy to access, they are capable of bridging geographic boundaries, they often work in tandem with VPN, and the latest releases can be found with the click of a button. Let us also remember that streaming feeds are much cheaper than a standard ticket to the cinema.
Bollywood has obviously taken advantage of these windfalls, and with a considerable amount of success. It is just as likely that the next generation of tech-savvy users will be even more eager to explore what streaming websites offer, and Bollywood films should gain additional international exposure.
The So-Called “Masala” Format
This is a lesser-known observation that some articles fail to mention. One of the traits of many Bollywood films involves their ability to touch on a host of different genres. This is often opposed to western productions that solely focus on themes such as action, adventure, or horror. The ability to offer viewers a medley of subjects enables projects to appeal to a much broader target demographic. This results in what some have called a cohesive viewing experience, and it may make it easier for fans to identify with the themes in question.
Bollywood productions often offer undertones of forbidden romance, intrigue, family loyalty, or the ability of good to triumph over evil. These are universal traits that cannot be attached to a specific culture. In other words, foreigners tend to love what is in store.
Moving Into the Digital Domain
Whether referring to Indian-themed games such as Bollywood Casino, the latest streaming releases, or actresses who have made the transition into western culture (such as Mindy Kalin), Bollywood now enjoys international recognition. It is also likely that stakeholders will continue making their presence known throughout the online entertainment ecosystem to attract even more fans.
Although it is not likely that the revenue of Bollywood will ever rival that associated with Hollywood, this is not entirely the point. This level of success simply illustrates that we are living in an increasingly interconnected world, and that even seemingly remote cultures are now only moments away thanks to the power of the Internet.
