Bollywood has a long-standing tradition of drawing inspiration from international cinema, transforming foreign narratives into stories that resonate with Indian audiences. While some filmmakers openly acknowledge their sources, others prefer to let viewers discover the connections themselves. Here are seven super-hit Bollywood films that found their roots in popular international movies.
Bollywood Films Copied from Popular International movies
Saiyaara Copied From Korean Film - A Moment To Remember
Mohit Suri's latest romantic offering, ‘Saiyaara’, has captured audiences' attention since its theatrical release. The film stars newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in a story that has drawn comparisons to the Korean film ‘A Moment to Remember’.
Movie Talkies reports that fans have noticed striking similarities between the two films. In ‘A Moment to Remember’, the female protagonist develops early-onset Alzheimer's disease and gradually forgets her husband. ‘Saiyaara’ puts its own spin on this narrative, introducing the conflict before marriage rather than after.
The Korean original, directed by John H Lee, tells the emotional story of Su-jin (Son Ye-jin) and Chul-soo (Jung Woo-sung). Critics have praised the film for its moving narrative and portrayal of unconditional love, particularly Chul-soo's unwavering support as Su-jin's memories fade.
Murder 2 Copied From Korean Film - The Chaser
‘Murder 2’ (2011) drew inspiration from the intense Korean thriller ‘The Chaser’ (2008). The original film follows a former detective turned pimp who desperately searches for missing women in a breakneck narrative.
Suri adapted this premise for Indian audiences, casting Emraan Hashmi in the lead role and weaving in romantic subplots that made the story more palatable for Bollywood viewers while maintaining the thriller's core tension.
Ek Villain Copied From Korean Film - I Saw The Devil
‘Ek Villain’ (2014) found its inspiration in the brutal Korean film ‘I Saw The Devil’ (2010). The original presents a stomach-churning tale of a man seeking extreme revenge against the psychopath who murdered his fiancée.
While the Korean version delivers an emotionally scarring experience through its violent narrative, ‘Ek Villain’ softened the concept considerably. The Bollywood adaptation, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor, incorporated romance, music, and melodrama to create a more mainstream appeal.
Chachi 420 Copied From Mrs Doubtfire
Kamal Hassan's comedy ‘Chachi 420’ (1997) clearly drew inspiration from Robin Williams' ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ (1993). Despite plot differences, both films revolve around the same basic premise: a father disguises himself as a female housekeeper to stay close to his children after separation.
The Indian adaptation successfully transplanted the concept to local settings while maintaining the emotional core of a parent's determination to remain connected with their children.
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Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha Copied From French kiss
‘French Kiss’ 1995), starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, never achieved blockbuster status in Western markets. This relative obscurity might explain why the makers of its successful Bollywood version, ‘Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha’ (1998), never officially acknowledged the connection between the two films.
Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai Copied From My Best Friend's Wedding
When ‘Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai’ (2002) hit screens, audiences immediately spotted similarities with ‘My Best Friend's Wedding’ (1997). Both films center on protagonists attempting to sabotage their best friend's wedding.
Uday Chopra's character mirrors Julia Roberts' desperate attempts to win back her friend, while Tulip Joshi and Jimmy Shergill complete the romantic triangle that closely parallels the Hollywood original's structure.
Qayamat Copied From The Rock
‘The Rock’ (1996) saw Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage saving San Francisco from a deadly chemical attack. Seven years later, ‘Qayamat’ (2003) transported this high-stakes scenario to Mumbai, with Ajay Devgn and Aashish Chaudhary battling against Arbaaz Khan and Sanjay Kapoor's villainous characters.
The adaptation successfully localised the American action thriller while maintaining the tension and spectacle that made the original compelling.
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