REMAKES & ORIGINALS
In the world of cinema remakes/ inspired by are a common phenomenon, often sparking debates about whether they can surpass the originals. In Bollywood, filmmakers have taken inspiration from Hollywood films on numerous occasions, adapting some iconic films for Indian audiences. You will be surprised, there are many instances where these Bollywood remakes have not only done justice to originals but have also many times outshone them.
Here are some Bollywood remakes of Hollywood films that not only lived up to expectations but, in some cases, even outdid the source material, proving that a fresh perspective and a touch of Bollywood magic can result in film magic of its own.
1 Baazigar- A Kiss Before Dying
This Bollywood film, which made Shah Rukh Khan a big star, took inspiration from the 156 American classic A Kiss Before Dying. With power-packed performances and wonderful music, this inspired movie was as good as the original.
2 Chachi 420- Mrs. Doubtfire
Though Chachi 420 was adapted from Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubtfire, Kamal Hasan made sure the remake is much more comic than the original. With talented actors like Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Naseer, the movie was beautifully adapted for the Indian audience.
3 Zinda-Oldboy
Sanjay Gupta’s Zinda took inspiration from the South Korean thriller Oldboy. In fact, Zinda managed to excel at winning the audience’s love and affection. What made the movie so entertaining and hard-hitting was the power-packed performance by Sanjay Dutt.
4 Kaante-Reservoir Dogs
Another of Sanjay Gupta’s movies Kaante was inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, which revolved around some Indians settled in America, who plan to rob a bank. No one denies that Sanjay Gupta added more punch to the movie through the power-packed climax.
5 Black- The Miracle worker
Based on the biographical film on the life of American author Helen Keller and her tutor Anne Sullivan. Black, is a masterpiece. With power-packed performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee, Sanjay Leela Bhansali did a pretty good job at this remake.
6 Sarkar-The Godfather
While Al Pacino and Marlon Brando’s The Godfather is a masterpiece, we cannot deny that Sarkar is a beautiful adaption. With powerful performances by actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, Zakir Hussain, and Abhishek Bachchan, this movie definitely does not disappoint its original.
7 Sangharsh- The Silence of Lambs
Based on the crime thriller The Silence of Lambs, Tanuja Chandra’s Sangharsh became a hard-hitting remake thanks to the brilliance of Ashutosh Rana. He played his part as brilliantly as his counterpart Buffalo Bill in the original.
8 Hum Tum- When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is one of the most popular romcoms of all time. Inspired by this Hollywood film, Kunal Kohli’s Hum Tum added romantic depths and talented actors like Rani Mukherjee and Saif Ali Khan made this remake worth watching and enjoying.
9 Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander-Breaking Away
The classic Breaking Away inspired the 90s super hit Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander. With brilliant performances by Aamir Khan, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Mamik and Deepak Tijori, this drama film with an amazing cycle-race climax was definitely one of the best remakes.
10 Ghulam- On The Waterfront
Marlon Brando is known for his unforgettable performance as Terry Malloy in the 1954 classic On The Waterfront. Taking inspiration from Terry Malloy’s character Siddharth Marathe was written for Aamir Khan in Ghulam. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, Ghulam was a good story of how the underdog takes on the bad guy. With some catchy music, the movie was able to catch the attention of the audience.
11 Munna Bhai MBBS-Patch Adams
This Bollywood film was inspired by the 1998 American film Patch Adams, which is based on the real-life story of Dr Hunter ‘Patch’ Adams. The Bollywood film directed by Raj Kumar Hirani, adapts the concept of using humour and unconventional methods in the field of medicine from Patch Adams. While Munna Bhai MBBS draws inspiration from Patch Adams, it also has its unique storyline, characters, and cultural context.
12 Sholay- The Magnificent Seven
The 1960 American film The Magnificent Seven was inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s film Seven Samurai itself. Taking inspiration from this Hollywood remake, Ramesh Sippy created unforgettable characters for the super hit Sholay. Who can forget Jai-Veeru, Thakur, Basanti, Thakur, Gabbar, or even Soorma Bhopali and Jailor for that matter?
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Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
22nd September 2023