Over the years, South Indian cinema has not only entertained audiences but also inspired numerous Bollywood filmmakers. Several successful Hindi films have been adapted from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada movies. Below are some notable examples of Bollywood movies that were remakes of South Indian films and are currently available on OTTs:
1. Swades (2004)
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the critically acclaimed film Swades which starred Shah Rukh Khan is considered as one of the finest movies of Bollywood. However, it was adapted from Shivaram Karanth’s novel Chigurida Kanasu, which was also made into a Kannada film in 2003.
2. Wanted (2009)
Marking Salman Khan’s comeback after a series of flops, Wanted was directed by Prabhu Deva and became a major hit. The film was a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Pokiri (2006), which starred Mahesh Babu, Ileana D’Cruz and Prakash Raj in important roles.
3. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Priyadarshan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa starring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan became a cult horror-comedy. This Hindi version was an official remake of the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu (1993), which featured Mohanlal and Shobana. The movie revolves around a couple staying in a haunted ancestral palace and the spooky events that follow. In the present times, it has grown into one of the most successful franchises and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is all set to release on Diwali 2024.
4. Housefull (2010)
The first installment of the popular Housefull franchise was directed by Sajid Khan and packed with humorous moments. Loosely based on the Tamil movie Kaathala Kaathala, which starred Kamal Hassan and Prabhu Deva, Housefull was later released without legal issues despite facing a lawsuit.
5. Drishyam (2015)
Drishyam starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, etc. kept audiences on the edge of their seats with its gripping plot and shocking climax. The Hindi version was a remake of the Malayalam film Drishyam (2013), which starred Mohanlal. This thriller was also remade in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada languages.
6. Rowdy Rathore (2012)
Starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha, Rowdy Rathore was a masala entertainer and a blockbuster hit. Directed by Prabhu Deva, the movie was a remake of the Telugu film Vikramarkudu (2006), which was directed by SS Rajamouli.
7. Singham (2011)
Ajay Devgn’s action-packed role in Singham as the fierce and honest police officer Bajirao Singham won millions of hearts. The film, which became a huge success, was a remake of the Tamil movie Singam (2010), which featured Suriya in the lead role.
8. Kabir Singh (2019)
Kabir Singh starring Shahid Kapoor became a massive success in Bollywood. The movie was a remake of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy (2017), directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Both the films follow the story of a passionate doctor who spirals into self-destruction after his lover marries someone else.
9. Hera Pheri (2000)
A cult comedy, Hera Pheri, directed by Priyadarshan, has maintained its popularity for over two decades. Starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty, the movie was a remake of the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). The plot revolves around three men who, in desperate need of money, find themselves involved in a comical ransom situation.
If you have any other movie in your mind which fits in the list, do let us know.
