25 BEST BOLLYWOOD REMAKES
The Indian Film Industry has remade quite a lot of Hollywood films. Mostly these remakes were not the best remakes ever. But there are certain remakes that were as good- and in some cases even better- then the original. Here is a list with 25 remakes of Hollywood films that i think were as good as -or even better then- the original...
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- DirectorMahesh BhattStarsAamir KhanPooja BhattAnupam KherRunaway heiress in search of her beloved falls in love with another man on the way.In 1934 Frank Capra made the film "It Happened One Night" with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. This film went on to become the very first film to win all the 4 big Oscars : best film, best actor, best actress and best director. This film was the inspiration for 2 succesful hindi movies : Solva Saal (1958 Dev Anand & Waheeda Rehman) and Chori Chori (1956 Raj Kapoor and Nargis). But in 1991 It Happened One Night was actually remade by Mahesh Bhatt. Scenes were lifted and sin some cases the dialougues were litteraly translated in Hindi. Strange thing is that though scenes were lifted it was Indianised and it worked wonders. The movie still holds up today. Big plus point for the film besides Aamir Khan and Pooja Bhatt was Nadeem Shravan's chartbusters.
- DirectorAbbas Alibhai BurmawallaMastan Alibhai BurmawallaStarsShah Rukh KhanKajolDalip TahilA young man with a vendetta against a business tycoon seduces the man's younger daughter, but she begins to suspect her new lover's connection with her elder sister and his ulterior motive.I was not a fan of Shah Rukh Khan after Deewaana. I -as a die hard Rishi Kapoor fan- was upset that this guy got the gorl (Divya Bharti) instead of Rishi ( it was an unwritten rule for love stories that Rishi Kapoor should get the girl). Then came Baazigar and I was won over. Baazigar is one of those rare films that actually is better then the original. Then the original two I should say. There was a version in 1956 (with Robert Wagner -Hart To Hart) and in 1991 there came a remake with Matt Dillon (There's Something About Mary) and Sean Young in a double role. The Sean Young role was supposed to be done by Sridevi. But Abbas Mustan decided against it since they thought the public would never accept Shah Rukh killing their favourite Sridevi. Hence two new girls (Kaajal, Shilpa Shetty) were signed instead of Sridevi doing the double role.
- DirectorDada MirasiStarsVinod MehraSulochana LatkarJeevan DharOm, Jeevan and Johar are serving different terms of sentences on different counts in the same prison cell. Their attempt to escape is successful, alluding the police and prison vigil, they reach neighbouring town. There they meet Ratanlal, a god fearing man. They change their jail uniform while Ratnalal is not around his store and ratnalal believes them to be labourers. Johar falls from the roof, they are now forced by Ratnalal's family to stay in their house till Johars injury heals little knowing that they are harbouring hardened criminals. The culprit's only aim now is to open Ratnalas safe and lay their hands on whatever found therein. Gradually a change overtakes their mind. They can't help feeling an interest in the affairs of this family, who have shown them invariable consideration and sweet good nature. Their intensions to rob Ratnalal of his valuables changes to relieve ratnalals troubles. Ratnalal is in the clutches of a thakur who threatens Ratnalal to auction his property unless Radha, Ratanlal's daughter given in marriage to Gulshan. Ratanlal can neither repay the Thakur loan nor can he allow this marriage. Ratanlal leaves his shop in the hands of the culprits and goes to Delhi to borrow money from his brother. The culprits use ingenious methods to increase the sale of this shop. Here they meet Mohan, the nephew of a rich miser. They realise that Radha loves Mohan, but their marriage cannot be solemnized unless Ratanlal pays Mohan's uncle a dowry of rupees fifty thousand which is beyond Ratanlals capacity. How the culprits successfully help Ratanlal to overcome Thakur threats, unite Radha and Mohan.The Humphrey Bogart-Peter Ustinov film "We're No Angels" got an Indian makeover and that became "Teen Chor" with Om Prakash, Jeevan and I.S. Johar in the principal roles. The film itself is a sweet innocent movie which has not aged all that well. But still i like it more then the original since it has more emotions. The same film was remade in1988 as "Hum Farishtey Nahin" with Raj Babbar but that film is most certainly not included on this list.
- DirectorMukul AnandStarsRaj BabbarDimple KapadiaDanny DenzongpaWidower Mr. Khanna is a very wealthy businessman in Bombay. He has a daughter named, Neha, of whom he adores. Realizing that he is not young anymore he wanted her to get married before he passes away. Neha loves an upright and prestigious young man named Sagar but he is not ready for marriage yet. So she decides to marry Jaidev of whom her dad chose for her. A couple of days later Neha's dad passes away leaving his estate for Jaidev to take care of but Jaidev takes no interest over the estate or Neha. She feels devastated by her husband but one day her husband attempts to change himself and begins to love her but she soon discover a more bigger conspiracy that will turn her life upside down.One of the early movies of Mukul S. Anand ( Agneepath, Hum, Khuda Gawah, Maha Sangraam) with Danny Denzonpa, Dimple Kapadia and Raj babbar in the leading roles. The director achieved something which is quite a task... he remade an Alfred Hitchcock film in hindi which actually is very good. The movie even holds up now. Dial M For Murder had Grace Kelly and here we have Dimple in that role (i know i know but give it a shot). The film was remade in Hollywood with Miachael Douglas too but that was a waste of time and money. Not before nor after this movie has an Hitchcock film been remade this good in India and I have seen quite a few. Must mention that Danny Denzonpa steals the entire movie as the inspector who figures it all out...
- DirectorLekh TandonStarsRajendra Kumar TuliSaira BanuRajendranath MalhotraSanjay lives a poor lifestyle in Darjeeling and makes a living as a Tourist Guide. He meets with Calcutta-based Priya Khanna, and both fall in love. When she receives word that her dad has been arrested, she returns home, and with a lot of problems does manage to secure her dad's release. She then finds out that Sanjay is also in Calcutta, both meet and plan to get married. Her dad finds out and cautions her against meeting him as this person's real identity is Tarun Kumar Saxena - the very man who had him imprisoned. Priya disbelieves her father and goes to meet Sanjay - and this is when she will find out that her dad not only told her the truth, but Tarun is already married to a woman named Rita.So the fun fact is that most people say that this film Jhuk Gaya Aasmaan (1968) is a remake of the Warren Beatty-Julie Christie film Heaven Can Wait (1978). As you can see by the years in which the movies were released this was not the case.
It so happens that there was a small movie called Here Comes Mr. Jordan that came out in 1941. That movie was remade in india as Jhuk Gaya Aasmaan in 1968. Then in 1978 Hollywood remade that small movie as Heaven Can Wait. And in 2001 Chris Rock came out with another version of the movie titled Down To Earth.
Jhuk Gaya Aasmaan in my humble opinion is the best remake ever attempted in India. It far superior then any of the Hollywood versions. It takes the idea of the original and makes it into a masala potboiler high on emotions. It has comedy, drama and a great soundtrack. And let's not forget Saira Banu. - DirectorMahesh BhattStarsAamir KhanJuhi ChawlaSharokh BharuchaRahul Malhotra (Aamir Khan) is the manager of the heavily in debt family business. He is also the guardian of his dead sister's mischievous kids. Rahul hires Vaijayanti (Juhi Chawla) as governess. Vaijayanti is a runaway from home as she does not want to marry the man her orthodox family has chosen for her. Predictably, Rahul and Vaijayanti fall in love. Maya (Navneet Nishan), a rich girl in love with Rahul tries to ruin his family and his business.The making of the film Houseboat (1958) was quite a task itself with the entire Cary Grant-Sophia Loren thing going on. But when the movie came out it was a nice romantic comedy. In 1993 Mahesh Bhatt (AGAIN!) remade the film into Hum hain Rahi Pyaar Ke with Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla (who had one of their biggest hits together till then QSQT).
Just like in Mr. India and Masoom the fun thing here is that the films three kids grew up to became "known". At least two of them did. The big brother is Madhur Bandrekar (film director with quite a few flopfilms) and the little one Kunal Khemu ( Golmaal franchise, Kalyug).
The movie is certainly NOT better then the original (it can't ...come on the original has Cary Grant in a romantic comedy... nothing beats that) but it is wort a look. - DirectorRaj N. SippyStarsAmitabh BachchanHema MaliniRanjeeta KaurThe eldest of seven brothers, who run a family farm together, marries a pretty nurse, inspiring his country-bumpkin siblings to follow his example.This is not a remake as such. This is more of an "inspired by"...
Raj N. Sippy made most of his films either with Vinod Khanna, Mithun Chakrevotry or with Sanjay Dutt. Funny that his biggest hit as a director was the one film he made with The Mighty Bachchan.
Like I mentioned not a remake but inspired by 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. - DirectorMansoor KhanStarsAamir KhanAyesha JhulkaDeepak TijoriA rich brat and a poor chap try to woo a girl, with their rivalry culminating in the most prestigious college event - the marathon cycle race.Memories! memories!!
The first thing that comes to mind when you say "Joh jeeta Wohi Sikander" ? Is it Pehla Nasha or that red dress of Pooja Bedi or is is "Change the gear Sanju!!" ?
Here you have a great movie which passed the tests of time, still is as fresh as it was when it first came out. And to think that this movie is "inspired" by 2 movies... The Kevin Costner film American Flyers (1985) and the 1979 film Breaking Away. Who had ever imagined that a hindi film about a cyclerace would be an classic ? But then we are talking about Aamir Khan here who made a film about cricket a classic ( LAGAAN not Awwal Number) and one about wrestling as well (Dangal).
This film -JJWS- is amongst the top 5 remakes made in India for sure ... hands down - DirectorSubhash GhaiStarsRishi KapoorTina AmbaniSimi GarewalRavi is killed by his wife after his marriage. He is reborn as Monty and is now a singer he goes to holiday in Ooty where he recollects his memories from previous life and inquires about his family from first life and his evil wife Kamini.Another film that was not an actual remake though it was promoted as one. Actually the germ of the idea is taken from the 1975 Hollywood film The Reincarnation Of Peter Proud with Margot Kidder (Lois Lane in the Superman movies) in the Simi garewal role. The idea being a guy and a girl get married. She kills him on their honeymoon and he gets reincarnated and starts looking for her. Thats it. While the Hollywood movie goes in the direction of incest the Rishi Kapoor gets everything right. Great cast headed by Rishi Kapoor and great soundtrack! This movie has aged so well. In comparison the remake of Karz with the same title which had Himesh reshammiya in the Rishi role looks dated in comparison to this movie. Watch it!!
- DirectorDulal GuhaStarsRakhee GulzarMithun ChakrabortyRanjeeta KaurA stranger enters a widow's life claiming to be the brother of her dead husband, but she claims that he is a fraud and that her brother-in-law died three years earlier in a car accident.Okay I won't say anything about the plot of this movie for the readers who might not have seen this movie! The big reveal/twist at the end of this thriller might not seem like a big deal NOW but remember this film was made and released way back in 1981... Can't say more!
This film has not aged that well. A typical 80s set up. But worth seeing. The film is a remake of a British thriller named Chase The Crooked Shadow (1957). The film was remade in 1989 by the Ram say Brothers as Khoj with Rishi Kapoor. I won't say much ...just watch it... - DirectorRajiv MehraStarsNaseeruddin ShahShah Rukh KhanUrmila MatondkarWhen Sunder loses everything, he seeks refuge in a graveyard, where he befriends a ghost.One of the early Shah Rukh movies that came out I really liked this one. A remake of the Sisney movie Blackberad's Ghost which had Peter Ustinov (there he is again) in the title role. The hindi version had Nadderudin Shah in that role. Shammi Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar , Devan Verma and Tinnu Aand are in the supporting cast. A feel good film worth seeing for sure.
- DirectorUmesh MehraStarsRajesh KhannaZeenat AmanParveen BabiHonest and dedicated Police Inspector Kumar Chandra Singh intercepts a bank robbery, and is in the process of arresting the bank robbers, when he himself becomes a suspect, and is apprehended with a suitcase containing some of the cash stolen from that bank. Kumar is stripped of his powers as a policeman; is arrested; tried in court; and sentenced to prison. As a result of his arrest, his mother dies of shock and disbelief. He is crippled in an accident, and must use the help of crutches to walk. When he is released from prison, he has only one goal in his life - to find the culprits responsible for his ruin, and humiliation. And for this he finds support in Kamini, Sonia, Sunita, and Shanker Dada, little knowing that one of these women was herself involved in getting him arrested.Here was something new. So this film came out in 1982 way before Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and that Lu girl made their Charlie's Angels movies. This was actually a remake of the tv series Charlie's Angels with Parveen Babi, Zeenat Aman and Shabana Azmi as the angels and Rajesh Khanna as Charlie ND Bosley. Totally Indianized. First time that Parveen and Zeenat were pitted against eachother in a movie. The film had a huge cast. But the one actor who stole the film from under everyone's noses was Mithun Chakrevotry in one of his earliest a film roles. And the music by RD Burman was good as well. Still holds up today.
- DirectorMahesh BhattStarsSanjay DuttSrideviAnupam KherRoshni Chadha is the only child of Sharda Chhadha, and has no knowledge of the whereabouts of her absconding dad, Prakash Chhadha. Roshni is introduced to Rahul Malhotra and both are attracted to each other. Rahul finds out that she can sing, assists her in becoming a professional singer, and she becomes famous nationwide. She has a fan named Jaggannath alias Jaggu, a street-wise small-time black-marketeer, but she chooses to ignore him. On a trip to Mauritius with Rahul, Roshni is apprehended by the police and arrested on the charge of possession of drugs. She is imprisoned, and Rahul is nowhere to be found. Then a lawyer and Jaggu come to her assistance, but are unable to do much, as Roshni is found guilty, and in keeping with the laws of that country, her sentence is - death!Mahesh Bhatt is at it again !!! This time a remake of the Australian mini series (!!) Bankok Hilton which was Nocole Kidman's bog break. Rahul Roy was supposed to be in the lead with Sanjay Dutt in a special appearance. But Rahul gave flop after flop so when the film was finally released it had Sanjay Dutt in a kind of leading role and Rahul Roy in a special appearance. The film totally belongs to my all time favourite Sridevi in the Nicole Kidman role.
- DirectorRakesh RoshanStarsAparajitaPrem ChopraMadhuri DixitWidowed and elderly industrialist Sulakshana Devi allows her business and estate to be taken care of by her nephew, Balwant. Shortly after her return from the overseas her only son, Ravi gets killed in a car accident planned by Balwant as he has an agenda of acquiring her estate and propriety. The news of Ravi's death devastates and leaves Sulakshana in a state of shock after which she recovers only to meet a pregnant woman named Kamini who claim that she is carrying Ravi's child. Sulakshana disbelieves this and asks Kamini to leave; after Kamini's departure one of Ravi's friend, Sanjay Gupta confirms the fact that Ravi and Kamini did have a relationship. Sulakshana then send her men to man-hunt for Kamini but to no avail. Several years later Suakshana is approached by a young woman named Seema who is claiming that she is Ravi's progeny only to be accepted by Sulakshana. But what Sulakshana does not know is that she will soon meet Seema's uncle who both plans to con her into blindly signing away all her property and estate in their name whiles on the other hand a male name Arun Kumar who is her new estate assistant and another fake who in reality is her real grandchild. Unfortunately Balwant has plans to strike again this time by killing all of them so that he can finally inherit all the family's assets.Rakesh Roshan was a master of remakes in the '90s just like Mahesh Bhatt. But Rakesh Roshan indianized all his films. he put in emotions, comedy and great music by Rajesh Roshan. Khel according to me is his best movie from the '90s. A remake of the Steve Martin-Michael Caine film Dirty Rotton Scoundrels (1988) which itself was a remake of the David Niven-Marlon Brando film Bedtime Story (1964). The story revolves around two con artsits who try to outsmart eachother and how they end up working together and finally falling in love.
- DirectorAnees BazmeeStarsAjay DevgnKajolBijay AnandSet to win back her fiance's heart, Sanjana (Kajol) decides to travel back to India but little did she know that fate had something else planned for her.Anees Baazmee's best film till date and Ajay Devgans and Kaajol's best film they made together till date. This romantic comedy is a remake of the romantic comedy French Kiss (1995) which had Kevin Cline and Meg Ryan in the lead. The soundtrack helped the film as well. Nice comedy, good drama and a fun love story. Worth your time.
- DirectorVikram BhattStarsAkshay KumarSuniel ShettyAftab ShivdasaniA dentist's life turns into a roller coaster ride when he is unknowingly embroiled in gang wars.Another one of those rare instances where the remake is actually better then the original. This one is a remake of the 2000 film The Whole Nine Yards which had Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing from Friends) in the lead along with Amanda Peet who finally went topess in the movie. Awara Paagal Deewana has a huge cast but everyone had something to do. The movie has such big stars but the film totlally belongs to Paresh rawal. If it weren't for him the film wouldn't be half as good.
- DirectorPrakash MehraStarsAmitabh BachchanJaya PradaRanjeet BediA workaholic businessman neglects his only son after his wife's death. The son grows up to be a rebellious alcoholic.Another one of those instnces where a Hollywood film wasn't actually remade but where the germ of the idea was taken and was Indianized to the fullest with a result that one wishes every film would have.
Totally inspired by the 1981 Dudley Moore film Arthur director Prakash mehra just has to turn on the camera and let The Mighty Bachchan do his work. The soundtrack by bappi lahiri was a major plus point. God how I miss Kishore Kumar! - DirectorKapil KapoorStarsRishi KapoorTina AmbaniPoonam DhillonThe Promis What I love most about the film was when they met again after the successful operation and Sunita was singing but he couldn't recognise her but he recognised the voice and the hand clapping.One of the few instances where the remake is much much much better then the original. I won't give away anything about the story here but this film -which is a 5 star love story for me- is a remake of the 1979 tv movie The Promise which was really bad!
And then the music of this film... Oh my god Kishore Kumar, RD Burman and Asha Bhonsle at their best! Film aged very well. Must see film! - DirectorShakti SamantaStarsRajesh KhannaSharmila TagoreSujit KumarArun meets Vandana during a vacation and very soon they secretly get married. Arun is an Air Force pilot and dies in a crash, leaving pregnant Vandana heartbroken--and unable to prove that she is a married mother-to-be. As her marriage was never formalized she decides not to keep the child, and her own father dies around this time. She gives birth to her son, Suraj, and when a wealthy couple adopts him, she decides to be the nanny. All goes well until Shyam, a relative, starts to eye her, and one day he tries to molest her. Suraj stabs him, and she takes the blame and goes to jail for it. Years later when she is released from jail, the jailer takes her to his house to take care of her daughter Renu. Renu starts bonding well with Vandana and introduces her to her lover--who is none other than Suraj. The moment she sees him, she knows he is her son because he is his father's exact replica. But she decides not to reveal this truth that might embarrass Suraj.Okay so this will be very short: I don't think there is anyone who doesn't know this movie. For me together with Anand still the best Rajesh Khanna movies ever! But the film actually is a remake of the 1946 black and white film To Each His Own. Though the climax of Aradhana make my eyes moist everytime again where he calls his mom on the stage the ending of this movie -though not THAT emotional- will give you a lump in your throar as well.
- DirectorPankaj ParasharStarsNaseeruddin ShahArchana Puran SinghTejeshwar SinghKapil's (Naseeruddin Shah) younger brother, Buntu, dies as a result of a drug overdose. Kapil vows to put an end to drugs and drug-dealers, by joining the police. He soon attains the title of C.I.D. Inspector. He lives in Bombay with his mom (Kamini Kaushal). One day his friend from Goa, Albert Pinto (Pankaj Kapoor) is killed in front of him. He vows to avenge his death, but the local police will not permit to do so, and they assign this incident to another inspector. Frustrated, Kapil decides to travel to Goa. Once in Goa, he finds out that he has no powers as a policeman, and the Goa police regard him as a nuisance. He attempts to uncover Albert's death, with the help of Jojo (Archana Puran Singh), but instead gets into brawls, is arrested, and is escorted by the local police, back to Bombay. But Kapil escapes from police custody, and soon he is on the run, not only the police, but local goons also, who will not hesitate to kill him instantly.Breakthrough movie of Nasserudin Shah (who wanted to become a mainstream hero), Archana Puran Singh (whom everyone expected a lot from), director Pankaj Parashar who went on to make movies like the Sridevi classic Chaalbaaz. And even Anand-Milind had their first hitscore before QSQT. But this movie actually is a remake of Bevery Hills Cop. yes you read it right! Even the banana in the car is lifted... But it's fun to watch one time. Not aged that well. Watch out for the Amitabh Bachchan cameo
- DirectorDavid DhawanStarsSalman KhanGovindaLara DuttaA 'Love Guru' assists other males, woos a widowed single mother, but becomes embroiled in controversies.Another Indianized version of a Hollywood hit. This time the Will Smith film Hitch (2005) gets a makeover. David Dhawan directs this one. But it's a laugh riot. What else do you expect to get when you have Govinda and Salamn Khan in the lead in the same movie...
I won't say anything else...just watch it... kyon ki "Itni Khushi......" - DirectorRaja NawatheStarsNanda KarnatakiManoj KumarPran SikandEight people are stranded on an island. They reach a mansion where a butler is awaiting them. Then an unknown, vengeful person starts killing them, one by one.Another remake which actually is better then the original. And to think that that original film was based on an Agatha Christie novel. A remake of the 1945 film And Then There Were None this film gets everything right. And though the film is older then 50 years it has ages well and you still get goosebumps when you watch it. This is how classics are made...and those songs...!!
- DirectorYash ChopraStarsRajesh KhannaNanda KarnatakiSujit KumarTaking place almost entirely over the course of one stormy night, a woman is terrified when an accused murderer escapes from a mental hospital and seeks refuge in her home.So Yash Chopra was making Aadmi aur Insaan with Dharmendra, Feroz Khan and Saira banu. But they had to wait a couple of months for saira Banu since she had to be hospitalized. So he and his brother BR Chopra deicded to make a quicky... which became this film Ittefaq with Rajesh Khanna and Nanda. A damn good thriller without any songs (which was a novel idea back then) filmed as a play. But actually this film is a remake of a little seen British thriller Signpost To Murder (1965). If you like Ittefaq and get the chance to see the film it was based on do so... it will make you appreciate Ittefaq even more.
- DirectorAspi IraniStarsSanjeev KumarNazimaPrem ChopraTwin princes separated at birth must foil an assassination attempt and take their rightful places as rulers of a kingdom.The first film that had Sanjeev Kumar in the main lead as the hero of the film. He had been in some movies before this as an extra like in the Joy Mukherjee-Saira Banu film Aao Pyaar Karein. Naaz was his heroine and she was really good. usually she always used to be the hero's sister.
Though an Indianized version this film is actually a remake of the film The Man In The Iron Mask (1939). The Man In The Iron Mask was remade in Hollywood with Richard Chamberlain ( Showgun, The Thornbirds) in 1977 and with Leonardo DiCaprio in 1998.
If you can find it make sure you watch this one. They don't make them like these any more - DirectorRavi ChopraStarsAmitabh BachchanHema MaliniSalman KhanAn elderly couple wish their children to care for them in their old age. But their children see and treat them as a burden, and they must struggle to regain their worth and dignity to themselves and others.Though many said that Baaghban (Amitabh bachchan- Hema malini- Salman Khan) was a remake of Avtaar ( 1985- Rajesh Khanna- Shabana Azmi- Sachin) this is not true. The main plotpoint of Baaghban was that their kids seperate the parents which does not happen in Avtaar. Avtaar was more a kind of a remake from Suntan ( Jeetendra-Rekha). If Baaghban was a remake of an Indian film it would have to be Zindagi (1976- Sanjeev Kumar-Mala Sinha).
But actually all these movies -including Baaghban- are a remake of the 1937 film Make Way For Tomorrow. The only difference being - ****SPOILER ALERT**** that in Baaghban Amitabh en Hema meet at the train station, spend the day together and decide to stay together and face all problems and in the Hollywood version they spent the day together and then have to seperate again. father going to live with one son and mother going to live with the other son. As their train leaves the film ends**** END SPOILER ALERT**** . If you by any chance are planning to watcg this film be sure you have a box of tissues!