Bollywood Remakes: Which Are Better Than the Originals?
- susovanmishrs
- May 6
- 4 min read
Bollywood has long been known for adapting successful films from other languages, and remakes have become a staple of the industry. While some remakes fail to live up to the expectations set by the originals, others manage to outshine the original films and become classics in their own right. Here, we explore some Bollywood remakes that surpassed the originals and gained widespread appreciation from both critics and audiences.
1. Don: The Reboot that Redefined a Classic
The 2006 remake of the 1978 classic Don is a prime example of a Bollywood film that exceeded the expectations set by the original. Directed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Shah Rukh Khan, this remake brought a fresh modern twist to the iconic story. While the original Don had a cult following, the 2006 version was praised for its slick direction, stylish performances, and thrilling twists, making it a much-loved version that reached a new generation of viewers.
2. Judwaa 2: The Fun Factor Outshines the Original
Judwaa (1997), starring Salman Khan, was a fun entertainer but had its limitations in terms of plot and execution. In contrast, the 2017 remake Judwaa 2, directed by David Dhawan and starring Varun Dhawan, not only captured the humor and energy of the original but also enhanced it with a modern sensibility and better production value. The songs and performances were more polished, and the overall comic timing made the 2017 remake more appealing to a contemporary audience.
3. Agneepath: A Gritty Reimagination
The 1990 classic Agneepath starring Amitabh Bachchan is revered as one of Bollywood’s finest films. However, the 2012 remake, featuring Hrithik Roshan in a darker, more intense portrayal of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, brought new life to the story. Directed by Karan Malhotra, the remake was lauded for its edgier tone, powerful performances, and modern-day storytelling. The gritty and raw execution made it stand out as a remake that elevated the original.
4. Kabir Singh: A Controversial but Successful Remake
Kabir Singh (2019) is a remake of the Telugu hit Arjun Reddy (2017). While both films are similar in plot, the Bollywood version, starring Shahid Kapoor, garnered massive attention for its intense portrayal of a flawed character. While the film faced controversy for its depiction of toxic masculinity, it also became a commercial success and earned praise for Shahid Kapoor’s performance. Many found it more engaging and intense than the original, which led to it being considered superior by many.
5. Kahaani: A Brilliant Reimagining of the Thriller Genre
While the 2009 Bengali film Kahaani was widely appreciated, the Hindi remake of the same name in 2012, starring Vidya Balan, took the suspense thriller to another level. The remake, though similar in plot, was executed with finesse, tight pacing, and a stellar performance by Vidya Balan. The film’s direction, screenplay, and Balan’s portrayal of Vidya Bagchi made it one of the most successful and critically acclaimed films in recent times.
6. The Lunchbox: A Subtle Yet Powerful Remake
The 2013 film The Lunchbox, a Hindi remake of the 2008 French film Le Grand Bain, stood out due to its sensitive and well-executed portrayal of relationships and love. The story of an unlikely connection between two people, brought together by a lunchbox, touched the hearts of viewers. The performances by Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur, along with the beautifully woven narrative, made the remake an emotional and poignant success that was even appreciated internationally.
7. Baaghi 2: A Mass-Entertainer with a Modern Touch
Baaghi 2 (2018) is a remake of the Telugu film Kshanam (2016). While the original film was a gripping thriller, the Bollywood remake, starring Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani, added its own action-packed flair to the narrative. Baaghi 2 was a commercial hit, and its high-energy sequences, emotional depth, and modern treatment of the story made it more appealing to a wide audience, often being considered better than the original in terms of commercial appeal.
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8. Hawaizaada: The Historical Remake that Delivered
Hawaizaada (2015) was inspired by the real-life story of the first Indian to build an aircraft, based on the life of Shivkar Bapuji Talpade. Though not an exact remake, it drew heavy inspiration from the Marathi film Shyamchi Aai (1950). Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance and the historical narrative gave the remake depth and dimension, successfully capturing the attention of those interested in India's unsung heroes. The film's historical significance and emotional core were better executed in the Hindi version, making it more relatable and impactful.
9. Raat Akeli Hai: A Successful Crime Drama Remake
Raat Akeli Hai (2020) is a crime thriller based on the successful Malayalam film Raatri (2019). Directed by Honey Trehan and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the remake takes the suspense and mystery to another level with dark and gritty storytelling. The film has been praised for its captivating plot, stellar performances, and thrilling atmosphere, making it an even more gripping film than the original.
10. Om Shanti Om: A Love Letter to Bollywood
While the 1970s film Kismet (1968) was a classic in its own right, the 2007 remake Om Shanti Om directed by Farah Khan stood out for its entertaining and over-the-top style. Shah Rukh Khan’s double role, a mix of reincarnation, revenge, and Bollywood references, was a massive hit at the box office. With catchy music, humor, and a nostalgic look at Bollywood’s golden era, Om Shanti Om became an instant hit, improving on the original with its updated appeal to modern audiences.
Conclusion: Bollywood’s Remake Game is Strong
Bollywood remakes often walk a fine line between honoring the original and reimagining the story to appeal to a newer audience. While many remakes fall short of expectations, some films manage to outshine their predecessors by adding fresh perspectives, modern touches, and stellar performances. Whether it's a gripping thriller, an emotional drama, or a high-octane action flick, these Bollywood remakes show that sometimes, with the right approach, remakes can be better than the originals.
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