By Nirali Kanabar

Copyright timesnownews

US President Donald Trump announced that a 100% tariff would be imposed on movies that will be made outside America. Since then, a lot of Bollywood filmmakers have voiced their opinion on whether Donald Trump’s decision will affect Indian films. Post that, Zoom exclusively reached out to two trade experts; here’s what Girish Johar and Akshaye Rathi discussed. Will the US President’s decision leave a major impact on Indian movies? Read on to know… Trade expert discusses 100% tariff on movies made overseas announcement Speaking to us, trade expert Girish Johar mentioned that the US administration is yet to give out what the actual policy is. He highlighted that the US President had earlier made a similar announcement in May, planning to impose tariffs. “But he did not materialise at that point in time. So, we’ve yet to see which section it affects to.” Johar further analysed what Donald Trump meant to say via his announcement. “Whatever I’ve read about his opinion, I believe that it means for the Hollywood productions which are shot outside the US boundary. So, I believe he’s trying to hint that, whether it means the theatrical releases which happen in the US, that remains to be seen. Because obviously, if there’s a theatrical, he wants to hint also add or include, that will impact the exhibition fraternity over there also.” ALSO READ – Gadar 2 Director Anil Sharma Calls Donald Trump’s 100% Tariff On Films Made Outside The US Decision ‘Non Creative’ – EXCLUSIVE The expert added that everyone is currently on ‘tenterhooks’ about what the US administration order will eventually come out. “So, we’re waiting for the paper for them. Also, if this goes through, it will increase a lot of costs, and the entertainment industry is already under sheer pressure. So, this will add to the woes for sure,” he opined. Fine print to provide more clarity? Sharing his thoughts on Donald Trump’s decision, trade expert Akshaye Rathi expressed, “I think it will be important to wait for the fine print of what this policy around the tariffs around movies from other regions and fraternities in North America would be. And that would really define where things are.” He further highlighted how Indian movies generally perform in North America. “But if we have to take it for free on face value, and see a 100% tariff on movies made in other fraternities or other countries that go into America — the number of Indian movies that do extremely well in North America is fairly selective, while it is a very significant market for Hindi and Telugu films, particularly.” ALSO READ – Filmmaker Rahul Rawail SLAMS Donald Trump For Declaring 100% Tariff On Films Made Outside US: He’s Targeting India | EXCL “When it is those one or two or three big ticket films that Indians in North America consume in big numbers in theatres, I think they watch them irrespective,” he added. Rathi also noted it will be in interest for the theatres in North America to make sure they price tickets sensibly, ‘where even that 100% tariff works out to be reasonable in the overall scheme of things, for enough patrons to turn up at the cinemas.’ Summing up his thoughts on this, the trade expert stated that he hopes cinema halls in North America will find a sensible way to ensure that the consumption isn’t hampered because of the tariffs.