Not Every Indian Film is Bollywood and Not Every Nigerian Movie is Nollywood

  

Not Every Indian Film is Bollywood and Not Every Nigerian Movie is Nollywood

Bollywood and Nollywood have been called the first and second largest film industries in the world for the production of the largest quantities of movies.

Bollywood is generally labelled as the Indian film industry. But it is not the overall representative of the film industry of India, because there is Tollywood, the popular Telugu film industry of Telugu language based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in southeast India. Bollywood, the Hindi language Cinema is based in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay).

Tollywood was first coined before Bollywood and has a filmmaking history of over 100 years since 1909 when the Father of Telugu Cinema, Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu produced short films and showed them in different regions of South Asia and he built the first Indian-owned cinema halls in South India in 1921.

Tollywood is the second largest film industry in India by box-office revenue after Bollywood. And Tollywood films sold 233 million tickets in 2022, the highest among all Indian film industries. As of 2023, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of movie screens in India.

The boisterous Telugu film industry has several Guinness World Records such as the Ramoji Film City, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest film studio complex in the world.

The second highest grossing Indian film so far, is "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion", a 2017 Tollywood epic action film directed by S. S. Rajamouli following the current highest grossing Indian film "Dangal"  a 2016 Bollywood biographical sports drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao.

I have written on the significance of the difference between Bollywood and Tollywood before on my Nigerians Report Online on Blogger.

Like Bollywood, Nollywood has been termed as the sobriquet of the Nigerian film industry since the name was coined by The New York Times in 2002. But the name Kannywood for the Hausa language film industry based in Kano was coined in 1999 before the The New York Times discovered Nollywood and said "it is like Hollywood" with starry-eyed guerilla filmmakers making dozens of movies daily from bootstraps budgets. All the movies were shot straight to video from handheld VHS cameras and sold in VHS tapes on the streets and stalls of Lagos and Onitsha before distribution to other countries across the borders to start the first indie film industry in Africa. 

While Nollywood is largely based in the predominantly Christian

southern region of Nigeria, Kannywood is based in the predominantly Islamic northern region of Nigeria.

Adamu Halilu, the Father of Hausa language Cinema was the first Nigerian indigenous filmmaker with the documentaries, "It Pays to Care" (1955) and "Hausa Village" (1958) and later made the classic film, Shaihu Umar (1976), a story of African slavery based on the novel of the same name by Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, first Prime Minister of Nigeria.

The first Hausa language home video, "Tirmin Danya " was produced in 1990 in Kano.

 The National Film and Video Censorship Board, (NFVCB) Abuja, started recording and censoring video films in Nigeria from 1995, and a total of 1600 Hausa video films were officially documented between 1995 and 2005.

Majority of the foreign film critics, journalists and scholars who claimed to be experts ignored Kannywood in their reports, features and books on the Nigerian film industry.  Both Nigerian and foreign scholars have done comprehensive researches and published books on Kannywood. The most popular are Dr. Idi Adam; Dr. Abdulkareem Abdulrahman; Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Ibrahim;

Dr. Carmen McCain; Prof. Brian Larkin and Dr. Mahmoud Nourah Bamalli.

Queen of Nollywood, Genevieve Nnaji.

Joint Queen of Nollywood, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde 

Queen of Kannywood, Rahama Sadau.

Alpha Male Nollywood actor, Enyinna Nwigwe.

My NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series is the first publication that has celebrated the beautiful queens of Kannywood on the same pedestal as the beautiful queens of Nollywood in the second edition published in 2014 and distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers in hardcover version, paperback version and Amazon Kindle version.

Ike Ude's photo book, "Nollywood: Radical Beauty" ignored the stars of Kannywood. 

The big problem of Kannywood is being under the dictatorship of the Islamic religion with majority of the actors, actresses and filmmakers being Muslims.

They are monitored by the Islamic police of Kano State and the other Sharia states in northern Nigeria with several cases of the violations of their fundamental human rights even in their private lives. 

Nollywood Alpha Male actor Enyinna Nwigwe can hug and kiss the Queens of Nollywood, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde in a romantic movie, but he cannot even dare to hug and kiss Rahama Sadau, the Queen of Kannywood on screen without incurring the wrath of the Islamic watchdogs of Kannywood.

-By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
International Digital Post Network Limited,
King of Kings Books International,
Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema (SOOAC)

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,

The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry

https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi
New Nigeria
www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport

COMING SOON

The First Annual Bollywood To Nollywood Filmmaking Workshops

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And Ifeanyichukwu Takes Chidubem Home!

And Ifeanyichukwu Takes Chidubem   Home!

By Ingram Osigwe.

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.

— David Viscott.

Viscott's timeless quote above captures the ambience of Our Saviour's Church, Tafawa Belewa Road and Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, both in Lagos on Saturday, the 9th of August, 2025 when the proverbial two love birds of the love song, Ifeanyichukwu Okwesilieze Anazodo and his delectable bride, Chidubem  Pamela Igbonuzue were joined in a holy matrimony as man and wife.

The groom is from the famous Anazodo family from Nnewi, the biggest player in marbles, tiles and granite industry in Nigeria. He is the son of late Mr Emmanuel Anazodo and Mrs Chinyere Anazodo of Mbanagu, Otolo, Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state.The bride on the other hand is the daughter of Sir Sunny Igboanuzue( Ezechodolu Oraifite) and Lady Okeoma Igboanuzue of Umuafa Ezumeri Oraifite, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra state.Sir Igboanuzue, the bride's father, is the former President  of ASPAMDA  and a major play in automative batteries and parts in Nigeria 

The wedding which attracted an array dignitaries, including VIPs- captains of industry, government officials, political leaders among others- witnessed endless effusive praise, words encouragement, love and advice to the new couple as they commenced their marital journey. From Our Saviour's church where priests joined Ifeanyichukwu and Chidinma to Oriental Hotel where the classy wedding reception took place, it was glamour, panache and colour as love and joy radiated to no end.

When the new couple took to the dancing floor, holding every one spellbound with exhilarating steps, amidst sumptuous meals and choice drinks, the guests sang and danced with them, further electrifying the hall with smiles and applause.

The colourful wedding reception was chaired by Chief Tony Okonkwo( Okpata - Ozuora), a business mogul and chairman, Top wine group.

Other notable guests include Chairman, Chrome group, Sir (Dr) Emeka Offor and his beautiful wife, Dr(Mrs) Adaora Offor, Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Izunnaso, Chairman Ekulo group, Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo, former Minister for Aviation and former FRSC Corp Marshal, Osita Chidoka, Oke iyi Amichi, Sir (Dr) Chidi Anyaegbu( Chairman, Chisco group), former chairman of Balogun Business Association,  BBA, Chief Oke Ezeibe, Ochendo Aguluizugbo, Chief Ernest Anyaeche, Former President of Alaba Amalgamated traders Association, Evang Paulinus Ugochukwu, Current President, Chief Camillus Amajuoyi,  uncles to the groom; Chief Dave Anazodo,Chairman Zanetti  Marble and Granite Ltd, Chief Uche Anazodo, CEO Voll  lounge, Lekki, Current Chairman  of BBA, Hon. Oscar Ik Odogwu, High Chief Dolue Igboanuzue 

Others are President of FHA Lawn Tennis Club, Hon (Chief) Architect Ernest Ewuzie and his Deputy, Hon. Sunnex Ohanazoeze, Chief Model Ezeamama , Sir Kingsley & Ebere Anaruagu, Hon(Chief) Uchenna Ezechinyere among others.

Members of 400 Road Estate Residents Association also came out in their numbers to indetify with one of their own.

The Chairman,  Arch Paul Okwaraoha came with his wife, Vice chairman, Lady Victoria Uneanya was present, notable members that came include, Chief & Mrs Fabian Okoye, Chief & Mrs Austin Okafor, Chief & Mrs JC Jones Mbadugha, Chief & Linus Ayabe, Chief & Mrs Emma Ejike, Pharm Uche Nwanna, Mr & Mrs Tochukwu Ubajiaka  Chief & Mrs Vincent Okonkwo & others 

The Top notch wedding  was compered by one of Nigeria’s  best, MC Orange.

****
Chief Ingram Osigwe is a Public Communication & 
Engagement Strategist manages Full -Page Communication Ltd

Monalisa Chinda Coker Returns To The Big Screen In Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi’s "INFANT AT HEART Set To Premiere In West African Cinemas August 29, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monalisa Chinda Coker Returns To The Big Screen In Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi’s I»f»»ľ dľ Hc»»ľ, Set To Premiere In West African Cinemas August 29, 2025

Monalisa Chinda Coker plays Justice Ngozi Chimerije, a mother grieving her late child in INFANT AT HEART, premiering in cinemas across French West Africa from August 29.

Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda Coker is making her much-anticipated return to the big screen in INFANT AT HEART (“CŒUR BLESSÉ” in French), a gripping drama-thriller from Nigerian filmmaker Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi (also known as “Ikeobi Silence”). The film will premiere in cinemas across Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroun, and Senegal on Friday,

August 29, 2025, with Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited handling its release across the three territories.

Produced by Vera Kanu and written and directed by Ndubuisi, INFANT AT HEART follows the haunting journey of Justice Ngozi Chimerije, a woman whose life is upended after the devastating loss of her only child. Struggling to confront long-buried trauma, her fragile world is further shaken when her brother-in-law moves in to pursue his studies.

At the same time, a chilling murder case lands on her desk, pulling her into a psychological spiral where reality blurs and her very survival is at stake.

The film reunites audiences with Monalisa Chinda Coker in a commanding performance, alongside an ensemble of celebrated Nollywood stars including Nkem Owoh “Osuofia”, Williams Uchemba, Emeka Darlington, Mike Durueke, Emeka Enyiocha, and Bryan

Emmanuel. Together, they bring to life a tense and emotionally charged story that explores grief, resilience, and the shadows of the human psyche.

“INFANT AT HEART is not just a film—it’s an emotional journey that will resonate deeply with anyone who has faced loss or confronted the truth within themselves,” said director Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi. “We’re excited to share this story with Francophone West African audiences in a way that speaks directly to their hearts.”

A production of Afrigold TV Limited, INFANT AT HEART will be released in both English and subtitled French, ensuring accessibility for audiences across Côte d'Ivoire,

Cameroun, and Senegal when it arrives in cinemas on August 29, 2025. The release will be distributed exclusively by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited, a leading force in African film distribution that recently brought Tolu Ajayi’s OVER THE BRIDGE to audiences across eight countries in French West Africa, further solidifying its reputation for delivering compelling African stories to diverse audiences.

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution International

Email: frwa@tntheatrical.com Phone: +234 (0) 812 363 2005

Website: www.tntheatrical.com/fr

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About Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited:

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited is a mainstream entertainment company specialising in the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content. With a distribution network spanning cinema, inflight entertainment, streaming platforms, and linear television networks within and outside Africa, Tribe Nation is

committed to bridging the gap between content creators and target audiences. The

company provides unique and innovative marketing and distribution solutions, ensuring the maximisation of revenues at the box office and beyond. Tribe Nation also produces commercial filmed content, striving to become the leading global supplier of wholesome entertainment.

About AfrigoldTV Limited:

AfrigoldTV Limited, a subsidiary of Obylicious Empire, is a proudly indigenous film and content production company dedicated to delivering authentic African stories to global audiences. Since its inception in 2018 by Dr. Oby Olebara-Uzoukwu, the company has produced a diverse slate of films, including Served, Good Mistake, Thin Line, Weakness, Scorched, Lost, and more. Driven by the rising demand for original content and the expanding live-streaming market, AfrigoldTV was founded to bridge the gap between African creativity and modern digital audiences. We believe that the future of our developing economy lies in our ability to harness and showcase local talent, culture, and capabilities—telling stories that inspire, entertain, and resonate across borders.

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

Monalisa Chinda Coker Fait Son Grand Retour Sur Grand Écran Dans Cœu» Blcssé D’Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi, En Salles En Afrique De L’ouest À Partir Du 29 Août 2025

Monalisa Chinda Coker incarne Justice Ngozi Chimerije, une mère en deuil de son enfant dans INFANT AT HEART, qui sortira en salles à travers l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone à partir du 29

août.

L’actrice nigériane Monalisa Chinda Coker fait son grand retour très attendu sur les écrans dans CŒUR BLESSÉ (INFANT AT HEART en anglais), un drame-thriller captivant signé par le réalisateur nigérian Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi. Le film sortira en salles en Côte d’Ivoire, au Cameroun et au Sénégal le vendredi 29 août 2025, avec Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited en charge de sa distribution dans ces trois territoires.

Produit par Vera Kanu et écrit et réalisé par Ndubuisi, CŒUR BLESSÉ raconte le parcours bouleversant de Justice Ngozi Chimerije, une femme dont la vie bascule après la perte tragique de son unique enfant. Alors qu’elle tente d’affronter un traumatisme enfoui depuis longtemps, son équilibre fragile est encore ébranlé lorsque son beau-frère emménage chez elle pour poursuivre ses études. Dans le même temps, une affaire de meurtre glaçante atterrit sur son bureau, l’entraînant dans une spirale psychologique où la frontière entre réalité et illusion s’efface, mettant sa vie en danger.

Le film marque le retour de Monalisa Chinda Coker dans un rôle marquant, aux côtés d’un casting prestigieux comprenant Nkem Owoh “Osuofia”, Williams Uchemba, Emeka Darlington, Mike Durueke, Emeka Enyiocha et Bryan Emmanuel. Ensemble, ils donnent vie à une histoire intense et profondément émotive qui explore le deuil, la résilience et les zones d’ombre de l’âme humaine.

“CŒUR BLESSÉ n’est pas seulement un film — c’est un voyage émotionnel qui résonnera profondément chez tous ceux qui ont connu la perte ou affronté leur vérité intérieure,” déclare le réalisateur Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi. “Nous sommes impatients de partager cette histoire avec le public d’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone, de manière à toucher directement leur cœur.”

Une production de Afrigold TV Limited, CŒUR BLESSÉ sera diffusée en version française (VF), garantissant ainsi son accessibilité auprès des spectateurs en Côte d’Ivoire, au Cameroun et au Sénégal lors de sa sortie en salles le 29 août 2025. La sortie sera distribuée exclusivement par Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited, un acteur majeur de la distribution cinématographique en Afrique, qui a récemment présenté

AU-DELÀ DU PONT de Tolu Ajayi au public de huit pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone, consolidant ainsi sa réputation de diffuseur d’histoires africaines captivantes auprès de publics variés.

Pour les demandes de presse, interviews ou informations complémentaires, veuillez contacter :

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited Email : frwa@tntheatrical.com

Téléphone : +234 (0) 812 363 2005

Site Web : www.tntheatrical.com/fr

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À propos de Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited :

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited est une société de divertissement spécialisée dans la distribution et le marketing de contenus cinématographiques locaux et internationaux. Grâce à un réseau de distribution couvrant les salles de cinéma, le divertissement en vol, les plateformes de streaming et les chaînes de télévision linéaires en Afrique et au-delà, Tribe Nation s’engage à rapprocher les créateurs de

contenu de leurs publics cibles. La société propose des solutions uniques et innovantes en matière de marketing et de distribution, assurant une maximisation des recettes au box-office et sur d’autres canaux. Tribe Nation produit également des contenus commerciaux, avec pour ambition de devenir le principal fournisseur mondial de divertissement de qualité.

À propos de AfrigoldTV Limited :

AfrigoldTV Limited, une filiale de Obylicious Empire, est une société de production de films et de contenus en ligne, fièrement indigène, dédiée à la diffusion d’histoires africaines authentiques auprès du public mondial. Depuis sa création en 2018 par Dr. Oby Olebara-Uzoukwu, l’entreprise a produit une sélection variée de films, notamment

Served, Good Mistake, Thin Line, Weakness, Scorched, Lost, et bien d’autres. Portée par la demande croissante de contenus originaux et par l’essor du marché du streaming en direct, AfrigoldTV a été fondée pour combler le fossé entre la créativité africaine et les publics numériques modernes. Nous croyons que l’avenir de notre économie en développement repose sur notre capacité à exploiter et à valoriser les talents, la culture et les savoir-faire locaux — en racontant des histoires qui inspirent, divertissent et résonnent au-delà des frontières.