Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BOLLYWOOD — While browsing the wonder world of the internet recently, I found out there is a Bollywood remake of “Rambo” coming in 2018. Taking over for Sylvester Stallone is Indian action star Tiger Shroff.
I’m sure I’m late to the party on this, but I just never thought about the fact that Bollywood remakes Hollywood blockbusters, and I got thinking about what other American films have been given the Bollywood treatment.
Here are five Bollywood remakes of Hollywood hits that you probably didn’t know existed:
Hollywood: “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Bollywood: “Chachi 420”
The Robin Williams film “Mrs. Doubtfire” is a beloved classic for many, and Indian filmmakers adapted the film into “Chachi 420.”
The 1997 film is about a divorced father who poses as his children’s nanny in order to spend more time with them. The movie is a surprisingly solid remake of the original and actually has an IMDb audience score of 7.4 out of 10.
Hollywood: “The Silence of the Lambs”
Bollywood: “Sangharsh”
In 1991 “The Silence of the Lambs” shocked audiences and made its way to a load of Academy Awards including best picture. The movie is a dark and disturbing tale of murder and psychological games with masterful performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.
Just eight years later, an Indian remake of the dark thriller titled, “Sangharsh” was released with some small variations from the original.
Hollywood: “When Harry Met Sally”
Bollywood: “Hum Tum”
In 1989, director Rob Reiner and writer Nora Ephron gave us one of the most memorable and quotable romantic comedies of all time. “When Harry Met Sally” has an 89 percent critic score and an 89 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, becoming one of those rare films that pleased critics and audiences alike.
Fifteen years later, Bollywood made its own version of “When Harry Met Sally” called “Hum Tum.” While there is no critic’s score for “Hum Tum,” it does have an audience score of 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and seven out of 10 on IMDb.
Hollywood: “Back to the Future”
Bollywood: “Action Replay”
One of my favorite movies of all time is “Back to the Future.” I don’t care if you like it or not because I love it. I’ve seen that movie so many times and you can guarantee I’ll watch it many more. Something I have never seen, however, is the Indian remake titled “Action Replay.”
“Back to the Future” released in 1985 and Marty McFly traveled back to the 1950s to save his parent's marriage. “Action Replay” was made in 2010 and the protagonist heads back to the '70s to make sure his parents agree to "death do us part."
Hollywood: “Big”
Bollywood: “Aao Wish Karein”
Most people do not agree with me on this and that’s totally fine, but I think “Big” is one of Tom Hanks’ best performances. The way he captures the essence and feeling of being a young teenager is mesmerizing, heartwarming and acting at its finest.
Bollywood tried to recreate that magic with the 2009 film “Aao Wish Karein.” While this 2009 Indian film is based off the Tom Hanks classic, there are some notable changes. Instead of a young boy wanting to be bigger so he can play basketball and impress girls, this teenager wants to be older because he’s smitten with a 22-year-old woman.
Any other Bollywood remakes of Hollywood films that you know of? Let us know in the comments.
