Bollywood has often turned to South Indian cinema for inspiration, and for good reason. The South Indian film industry has produced some of the most compelling stories, filled with rich characters, strong emotional arcs, and unforgettable drama. Over the years, several Bollywood hits have either been directly remade or heavily inspired by South Indian originals. Here's a list of 8 popular Hindi movies that found their roots down South.
‘Chigurida Kanasu’, based on a Kannada novel, explores rural life and Gandhian ideals. It tells the story of a man returning to his homeland to drive change. Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Swades’ adopted this core message and transformed it into a powerful tale featuring Shah Rukh Khan as a NASA scientist rediscovering his roots. The Hindi version added scale and star power but kept the emotional heart intact.
Directed by Priyadarshan, ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’ is a Malayalam cult comedy rooted in unemployment struggles. ‘Hera Pheri’ became one of Bollywood’s most loved comedies with unforgettable characters and punchlines. While both films share the same storyline, the Hindi version became iconic in its own right.
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While not a scene-by-scene remake, ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ echoes the tone and plot structure of the 2005 Telugu rom-com 'Soggadu’. The fun-loving protagonist, chaotic love life, and energetic storytelling make both versions entertaining. Ranbir Kapoor’s comic timing added a Bollywood polish to the original’s heart.
The 2019 Tamil thriller ‘Thadam’ impressed audiences with its clever twin twist and engaging crime mystery. ‘Gumraah’, its Hindi remake, stuck closely to the suspenseful plot while adding courtroom drama. The result? A satisfying whodunit that kept audiences hooked.
‘Katha Parayumbol’ is a touching story of friendship and humility in a small town. It was first remade in Tamil as ‘Kuselan’ with Rajinikanth, and then in Hindi as ‘Billu’ with Shah Rukh Khan. While ‘Billu’ added Bollywood flair and musical numbers, the original’s subtle charm still holds a special place among fans.
‘Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu’ offered a comedic take on marital misunderstandings. The Hindi remake ‘Shaadi No. 1’, directed by David Dhawan, turned it into a slapstick comedy loaded with Bollywood-style masala. It worked well with fans of commercial comedy, though critics preferred the original’s smarter humour.
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The Malayalam ‘Bodyguard’, which marked Nayanthara’s comeback, tells the story of a bodyguard who unknowingly falls for the woman he’s meant to protect. Salman Khan’s ‘Bodyguard’ followed the same plot with added action and glam. The core love story remained intact, though the Hindi version leaned more into mainstream appeal.
Sajid Khan’s ‘Housefull’ drew inspiration from ‘Kaathala Kaathala’, a 1998 Tamil comedy starring Kamal Haasan. The Tamil film revolves around mistaken identities and chaotic love stories. According to producer Thenappan, several scenes from ‘kaathala Kaathala’ were directly lifted, though ‘Housefull’ adapted them for a louder, slapstick Bollywood audience.
South Indian cinema continues to be a creative wellspring for Bollywood. While some Hindi remakes have added big-budget spectacle and star power, the originals often shine with grounded storytelling and cultural richness.
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