The hilarious comedy with Akshay, Riteish and Fardeen was a win with the audience
Hindi Cinema has produced some iconic, unique and original stories which we love.
However, some of our favourite Bollywood smash hit films are either remakes or heavily inspired by successful Hollywood movies.
Whether it’s a thriller, comedy or romance Bollywood films have drawn inspiration from Hollywood on numerous occasions.
Sometimes, they often remake a film and just make a Hindi version, and in other instances they have altered the story to incorporate issues which are more relevant to the Indian audience.
DESIblitz rounds up some of the biggest Bollywood’s most memorable remakes of Hollywood blockbusters.
Bang Bang (2014) and Knight and Day (2010)
The action packed movie which starred Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif as a sizzling onscreen pair was electric.
This action film which also includes comedy and romance along with jaw dropping stunts, was a direct remake of the Hollywood film, Knight and Day.
The original film which starred Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise was the original film which had the stunts, drama and effortless visual effects onscreen.
With scenes literally duplicated in Bang Bang, there is no denying that this Bollywood film is a Hollywood remake.
Sangharsh (1999) and The Silence of The Lambs (1991)
The film which placed Ashutosh Rana as the most convincing villain, and solidified both Akshay and Preity’s acting abilities was the 1999 psychological thriller, Sangharsh.
Though the Hindi version was compelling and well executed, it was a remake of the iconic Anthony Hopkins movie The Silence of The Lambs.
Using the prisoner and FBI agent formula, with slight tweaks to character, Akshay plays Hannibal Lecter whilst Preity Zinta plays Clarice Starling.
Refraining from using the transgender element of Buffalo Bill, the Hindi remake opted for a religious and cultural dimension with the use of Lajja Shankar.
Heyy Babyy (2007) and Three Men and A Baby (1987)
The hilarious comedy with the trio of Akshay, Riteish and Fardeen was a win with the audience. Fantastic comic timing, the adorable little girl and Vidya’s beauty made for a smash hit comedy.
This too was a remake of the famous Hollywood comedy, Three Men and A Baby.
We Are Family (2010) and Stepmom (1998)
This touching family drama which touches upon the difficulty of divorce, children and the introduction of step parents was a remake of the Hollywood film Stepmom.
Whilst Kajol and Kareena were convincing in their portrayal of the dying mother and the young beautiful stepmom, the film was not as successful as the original Hollywood movie.
Partner (2007) and Hitch (2005)
Salman and Govinda’s comic pairing was a match made in heaven. The love guru Salman lending his tips to the goofy Bhaskar played by Govinda surely made some laughs.
This comedy was a remake of the Will Smith starrer Hitch. Where Will Smith helps his goofy friend to try and woo his beautiful and successful love interest, Partner used the same format with Katrina Kaif playing Govinda’s love interest.
Satte pe Satta (1982) and 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (1954)
Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic film which includes super hit songs such as ‘Dilbar Mere’, was loved for the crazy and chaotic story of seven brothers. This fun filled movie was another Hindi film which was inspired by the Hollywood film 7 Brides for 7 Brothers was a hit in theatres.
Whether it was the storyline, Amitabh’s fan following or the catchy music, Satte pe Satta is a super hit Hindi movie.
Kyon Ki (2005) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
The iconic Jack Nicholson performance in the riveting tale One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, was the inspiration for the Salman and Kareena film Kyon Ki.
Set against the backdrop of a male protagonist in a mental asylum, and the presence of a domineering warden, both films highlighted the impact of the abuse of power.
Whilst Kyon Ki was a fantastic film with deep performances by Salman and Kareena, the original was difficult to match.
Kaante (2002) and Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The star studded cast of Kaante, which starred the likes of Sanjay Dutt and Amitabh Bachchan was a macho and gritty action drama.
Drawing upon the Hollywood classic Reservoir Dogs, the style, the characters and the presentation of the men undoubtedly had an undeniable inspiration from the Hollywood film.
God Tussi Great Ho (2008) and Bruce Almighty (2003)
The hit film Bruce Almighty in which Jim Carrey was given God’s powers for a limited number of time was duplicated in the Salman Khan version with Amitabh Bachchan.
Though Bruce Almighty was a smash hit, and has another spin off called Evan Almighty, God Tussi Great Ho failed to impress the Indian audience.
Players (2012) and The Italian Job (1969)
The multi starrer movie Players, was a remake of the Hollywood movie the Italian Job. Using the same storyline, and characters this thriller keeps the audiences guessing as to who the traitor is.
Though the Hindi version had famous actors including Sonam Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan playing roles in the film, this film was another example of how a remake of a successful Hollywood film does not necessarily become a successful Bollywood film.
If a film has been incredibly successful in Hollywood, many Indian film makers assumed that making a Hindi version of that story would almost certainly guarantee success.
Where some of these Bollywood remakes of Hollywood films have become super hit blockbuster movies, others have failed to live up to the expectations of the original films.
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