While we celebrate ‘original’ art, we often ask: What truly is original?
Every idea, when traced, carries influences—some drawn from life, others from art.
Can any piece of art exist without reflecting life itself?
Across cultures, the range of human experience resonates, making film adaptations so compelling.
Remakes are not simple copies but profound transformations, taking heart-touching tales to wider audiences.
The Happy Life, 2007 (Korean) inspired Rock On!! (2008)
Rock On’s connection with The Happy Life is apparent from the very beginning—starting with the posters! Both films centre around the reunion of a band on the brink of death, but each takes a unique approach to the lives and personalities of its bandmates.
When Harry Met Sally, 1989 (English) inspired Hum Tum (2004)
Before Harry met Sally, and before Hum Tum made peace, both stories were riddled with chance encounters and hidden feelings. However, the inspiration wasn’t a remake. When Hum Tum’s team attempted to buy the rights to When Harry Met Sally, they discovered it wasn’t necessary—Hum Tum wasn’t even an adaptation!
Manichitrathazhu, 1993 (Malayalam) inspired Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
A locked door, a curious wife, and haunting consequences—this story never grows old! The Malayalam original has been remade in four languages, including Rajnikanth’s Chandramukhi and Bollywood’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Memento, 2000 (English) inspired Ghajini (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s Memento sparked A. R. Murugadoss to bring Ghajini to life in Tamil and Hindi. Both films unravel the story of a man battling anterograde amnesia (the inability to form new memories) while relentlessly seeking revenge for his partner’s murder.
Montage, 2013 (Korean) inspired Te3n (2013)
Montage and Te3n explore a family’s anguish over their child’s abduction years ago, driven by the pursuit of truth. As dark secrets surface, characters face the consequences of their past choices.
Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993 (English) inspired Chachi 420 (1997)
Robin Williams’ beloved classic and Kamal Haasan’s remake tell the tale of a divorced father determined to stay close to his children. Donning the disguise of a nanny, he walks the fine line between secrecy and love.
Ramji Rao Speaking, 1989 (Malayalam) inspired Hera Pheri, 2000
Ramji Rao Speaking and Hera Pheri are comedic gems filled with mistaken identities and chaotic situations. Both follow a group of individuals facing struggles and landing in trouble, leading to clever schemes and unforgettable dialogues.
Children of Heaven, 1997 (Persian) inspired Bumm Bumm Bole (2010)
A touching story of sibling love, Children of Heaven follows two children from a poor background. After one loses her shoes, her brother shares his, keeping the secret from their parents. Their hopes rest on winning a marathon, but fate takes an unexpected turn.
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