HT Brunch Cover Story: Ryan loves Bollywood

The Canada-born Hollywood star on the “explosive joy” Indian movies bring, the cross-cultural nature of Netflix shows, and how he judges an OTT success versus a box-office hit

Having done a few interviews with top Hollywood stars since the pandemic began, I’ve learnt a couple of things. One: India is an important market for Hollywood because of our sheer numbers, just as it is for YouTubers seeking “collabs” with Indian social media stars. And two: most American stars make the effort to call you by your name.

Ryan Reynolds says that every Bollywood film he’s seen, and that’s about a dozen or so, has always brought with it explosive joy (Guy Aroch / Netflix)

Ryan says he believes [escapist cinema] is a good way to get out of your own head for a second (Guy Aroch / Netflix)

Ryan says if he were invited to the Bollywood world, he would have to do that in the strictest and most respectful ways possible, but it’s something he would be super-excited about (Guy Aroch / Netflix)