Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani – best known for the 2024 hit Dunki – shared his thoughts on a hot U.S. policy that could hit India’s film business hard. The director spoke at a private hotel in Kolkata during the Merchants Chamber of Commerce & Industry event titled “The Role of Film and Storytelling in Business and Industry.”
The U.S. has floated a 100% tariff on movies made outside the United States, a move that could wipe out a large chunk of the revenue that Bollywood and other Indian filmmakers rely on from overseas markets – especially the U.S. market, which accounts for around 40‑50% of box‑office income for many Indian movies released each year.
When asked how the potential tariff would affect production companies and distributors in India, Hirani said the picture is still blurry. “There’s no clear guidance yet,” he said. “We’ve heard about this a month or two back, but nothing has been confirmed. Producers are unsure what it means for their budgets and release plans.” He added that until lawmakers make a final decision, it’s hard to judge the impact on the industry.
The idea of a tariff was championed by the former U.S. president, Donald Trump, who argued that foreign films were “stealing” American movie jobs and undermined domestic production. The proposal – still under discussion – faces legal challenges. Many experts say a president can’t unilaterally impose tariffs on films, intellectual property, or digital services without Congress’s approval.
Industry insiders warn that a sudden 100% tax on foreign films could drive up costs for U.S. studios, hurt global collaborations and incite retaliatory actions from other countries. The White House has said it’s still “under scrutiny” and no final rule has been set.
As the debate heats up, filmmakers like Hirani stress the importance of clarity. “If the U.S. actually imposes this tariff,” he told the audience, “it would be a major hit for everyone from distributors to the everyday moviegoer. Until we know the exact details, we’re in a holding pattern.”
For now, the only certainty is that the U.S. policy remains a possibility, not a reality, and the global film community – from Bollywood to Hollywood – will continue to watch closely.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
