Ranbir Kapoor Explains Why He Prefers Indian Cinema Over Bollywood
Actor Ranbir Kapoor has spoken about his preference for the term Indian cinema over Bollywood, explaining that the latter does not fully represent the diversity of India's film industries. The actor shared his views during an international promotional interaction for his upcoming film Ramayana, in which he discussed how Indian films can be presented to audiences around the world.
In an interview with British broadcaster ITV, Ranbir was asked about his reservations regarding the use of Bollywood as an umbrella term for Indian films. Responding to the question, he explained that the word was derived from Hollywood and was connected to Bombay, the former name of Mumbai. He also referred to terms such as Tollywood, which have been used to describe other regional film industries.
Ranbir said he would prefer to be recognised as a representative of Indian cinema rather than being identified only with Bollywood. He pointed out that India is home to different cultures, languages and states, each contributing to the country's wider cinematic landscape.
Ranbir Kapoor's Views on the Term Bollywood
The term Bollywood is widely used to refer to the Hindi-language film industry, particularly films produced in Mumbai. However, it is also sometimes used internationally as a general description of Indian cinema. Ranbir's comments draw attention to the distinction between the Hindi film industry and the many other film industries operating across the country.
Explaining his position, the actor said the word Bollywood was formed as a derivative of Hollywood, with Bombay serving as the geographical reference. He noted that similar naming conventions were used for other industries, including Tollywood.
His preference for the broader term Indian cinema reflects the country's multilingual film culture. Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi and Hindi films, among others, have their own histories, audiences, creative traditions and production centres.
By choosing the term Indian cinema, Ranbir indicated that he wants to be associated with this wider creative identity rather than a single industry label.
Why Ranbir Wants to Represent Indian Cinema
During the conversation, Ranbir highlighted the role of India's cultural and linguistic diversity in shaping its films. He said people from different states and backgrounds come together to create art, and that cinema can connect audiences beyond geographical and language boundaries.
The actor also spoke about the importance of telling authentic stories rooted in local cultures and traditions. In his view, films do not need to abandon their cultural identity to reach international audiences. A story that is genuine to its background can also find appreciation among viewers from other countries.
To explain this point, Ranbir referred to international films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Life Is Beautiful, as well as cinema from South Korea. These examples were used to highlight how stories with distinct cultural identities can reach viewers across the world.
He added that the aim should not be to change a film simply to appeal to a global audience. Instead, filmmakers should remain committed to authentic storytelling and their cultural roots.
Ramayana's International Promotions
Ranbir is currently promoting Ramayana, an ambitious film adaptation of the Indian epic. His comments about Indian cinema came as the film was being introduced to international audiences.
The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita and Yash portraying Ravana. The cast also includes Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
The project is planned as a two-part film, with the first instalment scheduled for release in November 2026 and the second part planned for 2027. The film is being prepared for audiences across several Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
The international promotional campaign has placed the film within a wider conversation about Indian storytelling and its reach beyond domestic audiences. The scale of the production and its subject matter have also brought attention to the possibility of presenting Indian cultural stories to viewers in different parts of the world.
A Wider Identity for Indian Films
Ranbir's remarks have renewed discussion about how Indian films are described in international markets. While Bollywood remains a familiar term for Hindi cinema, it does not cover the full range of films made in India.
Regional film industries have developed their own stars, filmmakers, storytelling styles and audiences. Films from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada cinema have also reached viewers outside their original language markets through dubbing, subtitles and theatrical distribution.
The term Indian cinema can therefore be used to describe the collective contribution of these industries without treating them as a single-language film culture.
Ranbir's comments focus on the importance of recognising that diversity. His preference is not simply about replacing one label with another; it is also about acknowledging the different creative communities that contribute to Indian filmmaking.
As Ramayana moves through its international promotions, the actor's statement places emphasis on cultural identity and storytelling. He believes that films can connect with audiences across borders while remaining faithful to the languages, traditions and cultures from which they emerge.
His comments underline a broader idea: Indian cinema is made up of many industries and voices, and its international identity need not be limited to the word Bollywood.
