When Bollywood Meets Hollywood

Aren’t we just in awe of some of the films we see. And often wonder about how the makers thought about a concept so unusual yet entertaining. Well, we have answers to such doubts as B4U presents a list of Bollywood flicks which have partially or fully been copied / inspired by their Hollywood counterparts.

So here we go:

 Chachi 420 and Mrs.Doubtfire

1997 Chachi 420 is majorly taken after the 1993 American Comedy Mrs. Doubtfire. Both the plots have an ongoing divorce at the core, for which the father disguises into an aged domestic help in order to win over his family.  While, the Hollywood flick had Robin Williams in the lead, its Indian counterpart had superstar Kamal Hassan. Interestingly, the film was first made in Tamil with the title, Avvai Shanmughi and also marked the debut of Kamal Hassan as a director.

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic  and Mary Poppins

2008 Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic is inspired by 1964  American Fantasy Film Mary Poppins. The plots see a fairy descend on earth to take care of young kids, who’ve lost their parents in an accident and are now being parented by a rich businessman. The fairy disciplines them with love and care. Interestingly, Kunal Kohli loves the pairing of Saif & Rani and has repeated them in his films.

  Ghajini & Memento

2008 Hindi blockbuster Ghajini was loosely based on 2000 American Neo Noir Film Memento. Here, the protagonist uses a polaroid camera to capture images and interactions he has had with people as a solution to his short term memory loss to avenge the death of this beloved. The Hindi counterpart saw a beautiful romantic track running in parallel to the gritty thriller.  Interestingly, this film was marketed to be a remake of 2005 Tamil Film of the same name. Aamir decided to cast Asin ( From the Tamil Ghajini) as he thought she would be apt even in the Hindi version.

 Hum Tum & When Harry Met Sally          

2004 Hum Tum is inspired by 1989’s romantic comedy film, When Harry Met Sally. Both the films show a time jump and see the protagonists’ relationships changing each time they meet. A bittersweet take on a woman-man’s tryst at different stages of their lives.  Rani and Saif were the perfect choices for the Indian Harry & Sally.

  Aitraaz  and Disclosure

2004 Aitraaz was hugely inspired from 1994 erotic thriller erotic.  Both stories have the same backdrop of a telecommunication company and how corporate politics and an alleged sexual harassment charge, initiated by an ex lover and present boss, becomes the nightmare for the male lead of the film. Interestingly, this film was made by thriller specialist Abbas Mustan and produced by Subhash Ghai.

Waiting for a time when Hollywood too tries to ape us. 

Tell us your thoughts.