Anurag Kashyap calls Donald Trump's 100% Tariff on foreign films a ‘blessing in disguise’ for Indian cinema

Anurag Kashyap reacts to Tarrif announcement

US President Donald Trump has recently announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside of the US on Truth Social.

Several Indian filmmakers are cautiously optimistic over the announcement, despite most of the details of the proposed tariff being still unknown.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has also expressed his thoughts about the tariff.

In a recent interview with Zoom, Anurag Kashyap said, “Trump’s tariff on Indian movies could be a blessing in disguise. If we respond with similar tariffs on Hollywood films in India, it could drive more audiences toward domestic cinema.”

He added, “Higher ticket prices for foreign blockbusters would push viewers to choose Indian films, potentially more than offsetting any revenue loss in the US. Think of it as box-office karma with better exchange rates.”

The filmmaker suggested that imposing reciprocal tariffs on Hollywood releases in India could cause a big change in the way people watch movies, which would eventually help the local film industry both financially and culturally.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan director Kabir Khan had previously offered his thoughts on Trump's tariff announcement. Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign films has drawn criticism from Kabir, who said the policy is illogical and unclear.

He questioned what would be taxed in reality, pointing out that almost all Hollywood productions include post-production and overseas shoots.

US President Donald Trump’s 100% tariff announcement

President Donald Trump announced the tariff update on his official Truth Social Post, writing, “Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby. California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!”

The post continued, “Therefore, in order to solve this long-time, never-ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DJT."