It seems fitting amid Diwali celebrations: a new report has found that, in a first in the English-speaking world, Indian films have overtaken Australian releases at the local box office.

Film industry executive Nick Hayes, who has released the report ahead of a major cinema industry conference next week, says films in Hindi, Telugu and other Indian languages have become Australia’s third biggest market – behind only American and British films.

Netflix Indian film RRR was a hit in Australian cinemas. Credit: Netflix

They have surged from taking $32.5 million in 2021 to an expected $50 million this year.

In the same period, Hayes says, the “lacklustre” box office for Australian films has slumped from $54.2 million to an expected $16.8 million this year. Loading

“Australia is now

See Full Page