Bollywood is clearly drying up with ideas and that is reflective in the films it is coming up now-a-days. The biggest films in 2014 are all blatant copies or inspired tributes of films, novels and books already seen before. Official remakes are the norm these days but it is unfortunate how newer ideas aren’t seeing the break of the day at all in the Hindi Film Industry. Let’s take a look at the range of films which have been copies and remakes of International Blockbusters.
1) Bang Bang Versus Knight And Day
The latter was a popular flick starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. While the story isn’t a work of genius, the film surprisingly was a good popcorn watch. The pace, the star cast, the thrills all worked to its advantage. Come to Bollywood, and you have an underwhelming version of the same film – Bang Bang. Pace slowed way more than you would expect, the humor was not really cheeky. The only thing that worked in this was Hrithik Roshan’s hot bod, his sparkling chemistry with Katrina Kaif and the only thing banging here were the stunts which were glossy and brilliant. The pick invariably would be Knight and Day which was a smacking watch atleast.
2) The Italian Job Versus Players
Players was blasphemy! I hated the film? Yes, I pretty much did. Make The Italian Job lame, boring, occasionally silly and extremely over the top, you’ll end up with Players. Despite Neil Nitin Mukesh and Abhishek Bachchan putting in their share of earnestness, the film ended up being a waste. Sonam Kapoor came out with maximum criticism from the film when all she did through the film was change to ravishing costumes and did not waste herself much on acting.
3) Kaante Versus Reservoir Dogs
In an interview Tarantino has been quoted saying of all his rip-offs in Bollywood, he was most pleasantly surprised with Kaante. I wish I could agree with him on the same. Sanjay Gupta did bring in the right look, feel and appeal of the movie but ended up creating a convoluted mess. Though the hair raising impact of the last scene remained the best part of the movie, as a standalone it was a really boring film. Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt were memorable but it lacked the classic noir feeling which would make it fantastic. Tarantino became a star more so after Pulp Fiction but Reservoir Dogs exhibited the depth of his potential much before he catapulted himself into the league of Martin Scorsese.
4) Child’s Play Versus Papi Gudia
Papi Gudiya couldn’t become as famous as its Hollywood counterpart Chucky. And why not? The fear factor of Chucky was enough for you to wish that the film and its story was actually made to believe. Papi Gudiya was a lamer, tackier and often sillier version of the film. I loathed it almost and it isn’t a statement too far fetched. Karisma Kapoor is an actress of immense caliber but in films early in her career, her potential was ruthlessly wasted. Papi Gudia is one of them that will make you hard to believe she did a nuanced Dil Toh Pagal Hai as well as a beautiful Zubeidaa years later in her career.
5) Mr and Mrs Crammer and Akele Hum Akele Tum
Interestingly remade? Yes, pretty much. Quite early in India and Bollywood, when remakes were still not this frequent, Mansoor Khan quite intelligently retained teh soul of the original and transformed it entirely into the Hindi scenario. They both remain amongst my favorite films which makes a blend of the terse complexities of a troubled marriage and how love reigns despite all. The Aamir Khan-Manisha Koirala starrer was a surprise package in India certainly, where chauvinism is what we are socialized into driving and perpetuating, a popular film with big stars came to make a difference. The wife walked out of her unhappy marriage, left her child only to realize her dream! Judgmental thinking aside, the film’s semi-success at the box office proved if had provoked many to sit up and think – men and women alike.
Now, enjoy reading koimoi.com on your Windows Phone, iPhone/iPad and Android Smartphone.
Advertisement.
Advertisement
