Why Does a Hollywood Movie Win an Oscar While Bollywood Struggles: Understanding the Complexities and Opportunities

It is quite a mystery why a Hollywood movie frequently wins an Oscar, whereas not a single Bollywood film has managed to achieve the same feat. This article delves into this intriguing question, examining the underlying reasons and potential solutions to help Bollywood overcome this achievement gap.

Understanding the Basics: Why a Hollywood Movie Wins an Oscar

The answer is simple. For example, when you are playing a critical international cricket match, you know the best player to send is the one with the highest performance and skill, not a player with less experience or average performance. Similarly, when submitting for the Oscars, the best and most competitive film from the same language or category must be selected, not simply a popular one. Hollywood excels at sending their best films to the Oscars, while Bollywood sometimes struggles with the selection process and submission criteria.

Examples: Super Deluxe, Tumbbad, and Gully Boy

Take for instance, the films Super Deluxe and Tumbbad. Both are critically acclaimed and provide an excellent alternative to Bollywood's annual oscar hopefuls. In contrast, another popular film, Gully Boy, is considered good, yet not the best option for competing at an international level.

Let's consider the mindset: "This film is good but not better than Super Deluxe or Tumbbad". This attitude reflects a broader issue wherein Bollywood often sees Filmfare awards or other accolades as sufficient rather than believing in the potential to win an international Oscar. The Oscars are not about domestic success; they are about competing with the best films from around the world.

The Need for Strategic Selection and Submission

For Bollywood to change this trajectory and win an Oscar, the selection and submission process needs a thorough overhaul. Hollywood has a system where they choose their best films to compete for Oscars. Bollywood should also adopt a similar strategy. Here are some key steps:

Identify the Right Films: Select the best and most competitive films from all age groups and languages. Films like Village Rockstar (2018) and Newton (2017) demonstrate that India can produce international quality cinema. If a film like Gully Boy is too commercial or not as strong, then it might not be the right fit for the Oscars. Works without Bias: The Film Federation of India should work without any bias, ensuring that the best film from each language category gets a fair chance at being submitted. Improve Overall Cinema Quality: While technical prowess in film production is essential, the true test for any global film festival or award is the overall quality and impact of the film. Bollywood needs to strive for excellence in writing, acting, and storytelling, which aligns with global standards. Focus on a Global Audience: Both Hollywood and Indian filmmakers need to produce content that resonates with a global audience, not just a domestic one. Bollywood films should be as accessible and relatable to viewers worldwide as Hollywood films are.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Bollywood

It is clear that the current system in India for selecting and submitting Oscar hopefuls needs significant improvement. By focusing on strategic selection, unbiased submission, and producing world-class films, Bollywood can bridge the gap and compete with Hollywood on an international stage. The future looks promising with the potential for Indian cinema to make significant strides towards winning an Oscar.

Remember: to win an Oscar, you must present the very best cinematic work. Just like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli, we need to select and submit the best film from each generation of Indian cinema to achieve the accolades we deserve.