Bollywood, which is renowned for its vibrant characters and rich storytelling, has a long history of drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including Hollywood. Others decide to adapt foreign films with minor changes or even outright copies, while some filmmakers choose to openly acknowledge their sources of inspiration. This practice has been common in Bollywood for many years, resulting in a mix of originality and imitation. You might be surprised to learn about these uncredited adaptations as we discuss some Bollywood films that were influenced by Hollywood in this article.
2006's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and 2004's Closer
Although "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" by Karan Johar explored complicated relationships and extramarital affairs, it had a strong resemblance to the 2004 Hollywood film "Closer," which was directed by Mike Nichols. Although the Bollywood version added its own cultural touches, both movies explored the complexities of love, betrayal, and infidelity.
(2007) Salaam-E-Ishq vs. Love Actually (2003)
Bollywood's attempt at a group romantic drama, a la "Love Actually" in the United Kingdom, was made with Nikkhil Advani's "Salaam-E-Ishq." Both movies had a number of interconnected love stories, each with a distinctive twist. The main idea was influenced by "Love Actually," although "Salaam-E-Ishq" added some Bollywood flair.
Unfaithful (2002) - Murder (2004)
Anurag Basu's "Murder," an erotic thriller, was heavily influenced by Adrian Lyne's "Unfaithful," an American movie. The themes of extramarital affairs and their effects were central to both films. "Murder" retold the tale in an Indian setting while keeping the main theme.
Hitch (2005) - Partner (2007)
Salman Khan and Govinda starred in David Dhawan's romantic comedy "Partner," which was modeled after the hit Hollywood film "Hitch." The central character in both movies is a "love guru" who assists others in finding love while dealing with their own romantic struggles.
An A Kiss Before Dying (1991) and Baazigar (1993)
Shah Rukh Khan's career underwent a significant turning point with the release of "Baazigar," directed by Abbas-Mustan. The plot of the movie, however, was very similar to the Hollywood thriller "A Kiss Before Dying," in which a man seeks retribution against a wealthy family.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) - Dhamaal (2007)
Slapstick comedy "Dhamaal," helmed by Indra Kumar, was inspired by the American classic "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." In both movies, a cast of characters searched for buried treasure, which set off a series of humorous adventures.
Anger Management (2003) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
In the Hollywood comedy "Anger Management," helmed by Peter Segal, David Dhawan's "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" took inspiration for its main idea. Both movies employed oddball scenarios and hilarious miscommunications to explore the theme of anger management.
It Happened One Night (1934) - Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin (1991)
Despite not being a direct remake, "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin" was inspired by the Hollywood classic "It Happened One Night." Both movies followed a journalist and a runaway heiress who fall in love while traveling.
The Godfather, 1972; Sarkar, 2005
Francis Ford Coppola's legendary "The Godfather" served as a major source of inspiration for Ram Gopal Varma's "Sarkar." Subhash Nagre, played by Amitabh Bachchan, had a lot in common with the charismatic and mysterious Don Vito Corleone. Despite the Indian adaptation's addition of its own twists, the original's influence is still clear.
The 2004 film Kyun! Ho Gaya Na French Kiss (1996)
The romantic comedy "French Kiss," starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, and the Indian film "Kyun! Ho Gaya Na..." both had elements in common. Both movies had characters go on a journey of self-discovery and love while they were in other countries.
The Truth About Cats and Dogs in Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002) (1996)
An aspect of the plot of Kunal Kohli's "Mujhse Dosti Karoge!" resembled that of the American romantic comedy "The Truth About Cats & Dogs." Love triangles and mistaken identities were major plot points in both movies.
Chachi 420 (1997 film) and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993 film)
In "Chachi 420," starring Kamal Haasan, the idea of a man impersonating a woman to be near his daughter was lifted from Robin Williams' well-known performance in "Mrs. Doubtfire."
2046 (2004) - Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)
"Bachna Ae Haseeno," starring Ranbir Kapoor, was inspired by the Wong Kar-wai movie "2046." In both movies, the protagonist's relationships with various women at various points in his life were explored.
Bollywood frequently borrows ideas from other sources, including Hollywood, which has led to a wide variety of films that appeal to a range of tastes and sensibilities. While some of these adaptations have been successful in giving the original concepts a distinctive Indian flavor, others have come under fire for their lack of originality and undisclosed sources of inspiration.
These Hollywood-inspired Bollywood films demonstrate the industry's capacity to retell tales and modify them to fit the Indian cultural setting. Bollywood has incorporated its own style into international cinema while drawing inspiration from the stories, whether it be for the themes of love, relationships, or even crime dramas.
Although some audiences find the familiarity of these adaptations appealing, it's important to recognize the sources of inspiration and pay respect to the original creators. Bollywood's artistic development is evidence of its capacity to mash up influences from all over the world while still maintaining its distinct identity.
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