In the world of cinema, remakes are a common phenomenon, often sparking debates about whether they can surpass the original. In Bollywood, filmmakers have taken inspiration from Hollywood on numerous occasions, adapting some iconic films for Indian audiences. Surprisingly, there are instances where these Bollywood remakes have not only done justice to the originals but have also managed to outshine them.
Join us on a cinematic journey as we explore 12 Bollywood remakes of Hollywood movies 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 movie magic of its own.
Here are 12 such brilliant movies that Bollywood remade seeking inspiration from foreign films.
Baazigar – A Kiss Before Dying
This Sharukh Khan starrer took inspiration from the 1956 American classic – A Kiss Before Dying. With the power-packed performances, this inspired movie was as good as the original.
Chachi 420 – Mrs. Doubtfire
Though Chachi 420 was adapted from Robin Williams’ Mrs. Doubtfire, Kamal Haasan made sure the remake is much more comic than the original. With talented actors like Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, and Nasser, the movie was beautifully adapted for the Indian audience.
Zinda – Oldboy
Sanjay Gupta’s Zinda took inspiration from the South Korean thriller Oldboy. In fact, Zinda managed to excel at winning audience’s love and affection. What made the movie so entertaining and hard-hitting was the power-packed performance by Sanjay Dutt.
Kaante – Reservoir Dogs
Another of Sanjay Gupta’s movies Kaante was inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, which revolved around some Indians who settled in America and planned to rob a bank. No one can deny that Sanjay Gupta added much more punch to the movie through the power-packed climax.
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 the power-packed performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee, Sanjay Bhansali did a pretty good job at this remake.
Sarkar – The Godfather
While Al Pachino’s The Godfather is a masterpiece, we can’t deny that Sarkar is a beautiful adaptation. With powerful actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Kay Kay Menon, Zakir Hussain, and Abhishek Bachchan, this movie definitely doesn’t disappoint its original.
Sangharsh – The Silence of the Lambs
Based on the crime thriller The Silence of the Lambs, Tanuja Chandra’s Sangharsh became hard-hitting thanks to the brilliance of Ashutosh Rana. He played his part as brilliantly as his counterpart of Buffalo Bill in the original.
Hum Tum – When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is one of the most popular romcoms of all time. Inspired by When Harry Met Sally, Kunal Kohli’s Hum Tum added romantic depths and talented actors like Saif and Rani made this remake worth the audience’s love.
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander – Breaking Away
The classic Breaking Away inspired the 90s superhit Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander. With brilliant performances by Aamir Khan, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Mamik & Deepak Tijori, this drama film with an amazing cycle-race climax scene – was definitely one of the best remakes.
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 Aamir Khan wrote the character of Siddharth Marathe 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.
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S – Patch Adams
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” is 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 Rajkumar Hirani and released in 2003, adapts the concept of using humor and unconventional methods in the field of medicine from “Patch Adams.” While “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.” draws inspiration from “Patch Adams,” it also has its unique storyline, characters, and cultural context.
Sholay – The Magnificent Seven
The 1960 American-Western film, The Magnificent Seven was inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai itself. Taking inspiration from the Hollywood remake, Ramesh Sippy created unforgettable characters for the superhit Sholay. Who can forget Jai-Verru, Thakur, Gabbar, or even Soorma Bhopali for that matter?
