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May 05, 2025: Acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has voiced critical issues over US President Donald Trump’s current resolution to impose a 100 per cent tariff on all overseas movies coming into the US, warning that the Telugu movie business would possibly bear the brunt greater than Hindi cinema.
The veteran director-producer defined that whereas each Hindi and Telugu movies will really feel the impression, the Telugu business—because of its substantial viewers base in the US—stands to lose extra.
“This was certain to occur. But it surely’s essential to judge the implications—will it impression streaming content material too? From what I perceive, Telugu movies take pleasure in vital consumption within the US. As compared, Hindi cinema has a broader worldwide footprint. So sure, the impression is inevitable,” Bhatt stated.
He added that doubling of distributor prices—from ₹100 to ₹200—would naturally decelerate the movement of Indian movies into the US market.
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Backing Trump’s rationale, Bhatt acknowledged that the American president’s transfer was rooted in defending home pursuits. “Hollywood, as soon as the Mecca of leisure, is reportedly turning right into a ghost city as productions shift to cheaper, incentivized overseas areas. From their perspective, the transfer is comprehensible,” Bhatt remarked.
Nevertheless, he additionally questioned whether or not the 100 per cent tariff was a set measure or a gap for future negotiations, hinting that the scenario stays fluid.
Expressing concern for Indian cinema’s monetary mannequin, Bhatt identified the essential position of abroad income. “Giant-finances Indian movies closely depend upon revenue from overseas, notably the US. Whereas we’re lucky to have sturdy home demand, the lack of US income will trigger main disruptions,” he stated.
President Trump introduced that he has instructed the Division of Commerce and the US Commerce Consultant to start the method of implementing the tariffs instantly. He described the shift of American productions abroad as a “nationwide menace,” claiming the US film business is “dying a quick dying.”
