‘Hollywood’ is a household name. This small district of Los Angeles, California is the centre of the American film industry and the reason for the sale of over 2.6 billion cinema ticket every year. Most of the films we watch, whether they are blockbuster action films or low-budget dramas, come straight out of Hollywood. But have you ever heard of ‘Bollywood’? ‘Bollywood’ is the name given to the Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai, India. Contrary to popular belief, it far outperforms Hollywood. Last year alone, over 1000 films were produced and 4 billion cinema tickets were sold, showing that Indian cinema is far more powerful than people think.
Many likely Bollywood fans are often concerned that they will not be able to understand the language used in the films. But there is no need to worry. Although the scripts have historically been written in Hindi, more and more films use the English language, showing India’s respect for the languages that make up its culture. You will also find that most films come with English language subtitles. The ‘language barrier’ shouldn’t stop a viewer from enjoying some first-class films.
So what do you get out of a Bollywood film? It is very difficult to define a film as belonging to a certain category, because there is no such thing as a typical Bollywood film. Indians tend to describe the films by using the Hindustani word, ‘Masala’ (meaning ‘spice mixture’). The plots sometimes focus on the drama of a love triangle, but they can also be packed with laugh-out-loud comedy or edge-of-your-seat action. The only guarantee is that a Bollywood film won’t end without several catchy song and dance routines.
Many Bollywood films are over three hours long. Some people might think that this is too long, but there is a good explanation. You would be forgiven for thinking it’s due to complicated storylines, but the film companies say it’s far simpler than that. They say the aim is not to draw in bigger audiences, but to give you, the audience, your ‘money’s worth’. If you are going to spend good money on a ticket, the film should be exciting, funny, scary, dramatic, musical… Anything you want!
As in Hollywood, there is no shortage of aspiring young actors and actresses hoping to get a role in the next blockbuster. They set off to Mumbai with dreams of becoming stars. Big shot film producers and casting agents are always looking out for new talent. Of course, the vast majority never ‘make it big’, but there are a few exceptions. India has its own Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies – spectacular actors who make up all-star casts and ensure you have a truly enjoyable viewing experience!
Shilpa Shetty is the perfect example of a Bollywood megastar. A picture of beauty and raw acting talent, she has achieved success beyond the borders of India, most notably in the UK following her appearance on the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ TV series. Since then she has turned down roles in several British TV shows. Instead, she has returned to Mumbai and continues to shoot films in the land that made her a star.
Bollywood is not just for the Indian audience. Although it took a long time to become popular in other countries, Bollywood is hugely popular in Russia and Eastern Europe. And although audience numbers in Western Europe and the Americas are only now growing, it has already taken Africa and Asia by storm. As world cinema changes, don’t get left behind. Once you get into Bollywood, you’ll never want to stop watching.

1 The writer says that ‘contrary to popular belief’,
A more Hollywood films are made than Bollywood films.
B more Bollywood films are made that Hollywood films.
C more people see Hollywood films each year.
D more people see Bollywood films each year.

2 The writer says that the films
A cannot be understood by most people nowdays.
B have always been in Hindi and this will continue.
C increasingly use the English language.
D do not reflect the variety of languages spoken in India.

3 The writer thinks that a common element of Bollywood films is
A comedy scenes. C musical sequences.
B action scenes. D that there are no common elements.

4 The writer says the films are long in order to
A ensure good value for money.
B provide a complex plot.
C get bigger audiences.
D get the audience to spend more money on tickets.

5 The ‘they’ the writer refers to in line 23 are
A young actors and actresses. C producers.
B Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. D casting agents.

6 The writer seems to think that Shilpa Shetty
A was foolish to turn down roles on British television.
B is an attractive and gifted actress.
C should shoot more films in India.
D is a bigger success in the UK than she is in India.

7 According to the writer, Bollywood is still becoming popular in
A Eastern Europe. C Africa and Asia.
B Russia. D Western Europe and the Americas.

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