On May 5, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films — an aggressive policy that could become a major roadblock for Indian cinema’s long march into American multiplexes. For an industry that has steadily built a foothold in North America, this sudden tariff threatens not only box office returns but also the larger cultural and strategic momentum Indian films have been gaining.

Although, framed as an effort to revive Hollywood and fight “foreign propaganda," the move also risks harming America’s own multicultural vibrancy — and its soft power.

Let’s be clear: Indian films, particularly those from Bollywood and regional cinemas like Tollywood, don’t compete with Hollywood on scale. But they punch far above their weight when it comes to cultural export. Indian cinema — no longer just a niche offering for diaspora communities in the US — has become a multi-million dollar draw now. Just look at the numbers. From Baahubali 2: The Conclusion grossing $22 million in 2017 to Pathaan ($17.49 million), Pushpa 2: The Rule ($16.25 million), and RRR ($15.34 million), Indian films have consistently cracked the North American market. These aren’t just one-off successes — they represent a sustained appetite for Indian storytelling, spectacle, and star power.

Of the top 10 highest-grossing Indian films in the US and Canada, four are Telugu-language........

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