Five Bollywood Films You May Not Know Are Inspired From Malayalam Originals

Malayalam Originals : Bollywood has an unconcealed love for remakes and often retells stories from the old classics produced by the industry. However, inspiration is never restricted which has drawn the creators to great stories that they felt was needed to reach a wider audience. Remakes have sometimes proved to be a let down to the original work but there’s no denying that a few among them stood out in the crowd.

Although, Hollywood films majorly inspire the filmmakers here in the homeland, creations from regional filmmakers too have influenced the Hindi filmmakers.

Here are some popular Hindi films that took inspiration from the Malayalam originals:

Hera Pheri (Ramji Rao Speaking)

Hera Pheri, the classic-comedy film, gave us the unforgettable trio played by Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar. One of the best comedy films produced by Bollywood was originally made in Malayalam titled Ramji Rao Speaking in 1989. Directed by the duo Siddique-Lal, it was followed by a sequel Mannar Mathai Speaking released in 1995.

Chup Chup Ke (Punjabi House)

Another film that was a laughing riot has to be Chup Chup Ke starring Shahid Kapoor, Paresh Rawal and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. The 1998 release Punjabi House directed by Rafi Mecartin that blended a Punjabi-Malayali family inspired the Hindi remake.

The Malayalam film that became the 2nd highest grossing movie of the year has a cult status now. Later, the slap-stick comedy film was also adapted in Telugu and Kannada.

Dor (Perumazhakkalam)

The social-drama features Ayesha Takia and Gul Panag in lead roles, where the former is trapped by the age-old tradition that a widow needs to abide by and the latter takes on a task to save her husband’s life. The film adapted from the 2004 release Perumazhakkalam which won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues, keeps the theme intact.

Billu (Kadha Parayumbol)

The Irrfan Khan-starrer was an adaptation of M. Mohanan directed comedy-film Katha Parayumpol. The story revolves around a barber Balan who hails from a village in Kerala struggling financially. However, his life takes a turn when his childhood friend who is now a film star reaches the village for a shoot. In the remake, helmed by Priyadarshan, the lead roles are essayed by Irrfan Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Khatta Meetha (Vellanakalude Nadu)

A satirical-drama directed by Priyadarshan got it's Hindi remake in 2009 helmed by the same filmmaker. Khatta Meetha featured Akshay Kumar in the lead role as Sachin Tichkule, a contractor who is constantly ridiculed by his family. Tichkule's already difficult life finds an added trouble when his former girlfriend is appointed as the new Municipal Commissioner.

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