5 May, 2025; In a controversial move that has sent shockwaves across the global film industry, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. This drastic measure, part of his revived “Make in America” initiative, is being positioned as an effort to protect and prioritize domestic filmmaking. However, industry experts warn that it could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for Indian cinema’s growing footprint in the American market.
Indian films have seen a steady rise in popularity across the United States, with Bollywood blockbusters and regional films regularly releasing in American theaters and drawing audiences from both the Indian diaspora and international cinephiles. The imposition of such a steep tariff could drastically reduce the number of Indian films screened in the U.S., as distributors and theater chains may struggle to absorb the additional costs or pass them on to consumers.
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, known for his outspoken views, criticized the decision, calling it a direct threat to Indian cinema’s global reach. “This tax will not only hurt Indian filmmakers but also the cultural exchange that cinema promotes. It’s a regressive move,” he stated in response to the announcement.
Trump, on the other hand, has defended the tariff by accusing foreign film industries of “stealing America’s filmmaking skills” and undermining Hollywood. “We are the best at making movies. We taught the world how to do it. Now they’re using our methods and undercutting us. This stops now,” Trump declared at a press event.
The impact of this policy could extend beyond theaters. Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, both of which host a significant catalog of foreign-language and Indian content, may also face new import-related costs and regulatory hurdles. This could lead to fewer international titles being available on U.S.-based platforms or higher subscription prices for American viewers.
For Indian cinema, which has made significant inroads globally with films like RRR, Dangal, and Pathaan, this decision could be a major setback. It not only threatens box office revenues but also the international recognition and cross-cultural dialogue that Indian filmmakers have worked hard to build.
As the global film community reacts, many are hoping for diplomatic negotiations or industry lobbying to challenge or soften the implementation of this tariff. In the meantime, Indian producers and distributors are left grappling with uncertainty about the future of their films in one of the world’s most lucrative markets.
