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Sunderblogger.054 On Hollywood –MGM Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the legendary 86 year-old Hollywood studio, is filling for bankruptcy. This relates to Hollywood`s style of functioning, marred by overblown budgets, unreal plots, unsure narratives and seeking novelty mixed with realism. In contrast stands Bollywood, the Hindi film industry steadily expanding over the globe. Bollywood`s themes are constantly energized by everyday culture and mythology while increasingly including edgy, experimental stories. Winner of 205 Oscars over the years, it is extraordinary that a studio of MGM`s stature should see such days. Despite holding 4,000 film titles including the sparkling James Bond series, the studio, bought in 2005 by a Sony-led consortium, has been plagued by debts of four billion dollars. It is anticipated that its lenders will now take over most of MGM, forcing it to re-scale operations. MGM`s crisis reflects greater troubles within Hollywood itself. In recent years, American cinema has increasingly been treated not as ‘show business` but pure business. Films have been based on market strategy, distribution networks and commercial calculations as opposed to simply being cinema that delights and thrills viewers through the forceful creativity driving it. Once, MGM made iconic films like Gone with the Wind, Ben Hur, The Wizard of Oz and Rocky. In recent times, despite the hype and hoopla surrounding Hollywood, it is hard to think of many movies which will live beyond their times, seeping into popular memory the world over. Your views, contributions, or comments are most welcome. Best Wishes! Sunder Thadani Mailto: sunderkt@gmail.com 20150504