Bollywood has long been known for drawing inspiration from South Indian cinema, often remaking popular South films to cater to a wider audience. Over the years, we have seen several South Indian blockbusters being adapted into Bollywood films. These remakes have not only introduced new audiences to the gripping stories, but they’ve also been successful in terms of box office collections. This article takes a look at some of the most notable Bollywood remakes of South Indian films, along with the options to watch and download them online.
Bollywood Remakes of South Indian Films – A Growing Trend
The trend of remaking South Indian films into Bollywood has gained immense popularity in the past two decades. The dynamic nature of South Indian cinema—especially Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films—has contributed to the thriving industry of remakes in Bollywood. With a large fan base and an ever-growing interest in regional cinema, filmmakers in Bollywood often find that adapting a well-loved South Indian film is a safe bet for success.
However, a remake isn’t always a direct copy. Bollywood filmmakers add their unique flavor to the script, with changes in screenplay, songs, and characters, ensuring that the final product appeals to the diverse audience of Hindi-speaking viewers.
In this guide, we will walk through some of the most successful Bollywood remakes of South Indian films, the differences between the originals and their adaptations, and the best platforms to watch and download them.
Popular Bollywood Remakes of South Indian Films
1. Kabir Singh (2019) – Remake of Arjun Reddy (2017)
One of the most talked-about Bollywood remakes of a South Indian film is Kabir Singh, which is the Hindi adaptation of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who also helmed the original, Kabir Singh stars Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani in the lead roles. The film tells the story of a hot-headed surgeon dealing with the heartbreak of his first love.
Kabir Singh was a box-office hit despite facing mixed reviews, and it sparked a significant conversation about toxic masculinity in relationships. While the Hindi version retained much of the essence of Arjun Reddy, changes were made in terms of cultural nuances and characters to better suit the Bollywood audience.
Where to Watch & Download: You can watch Kabir Singh on streaming platforms like Movies4me and also find it for download on various legal services.
2. Housefull 4 (2019) – Remake of Sathuranga Vettai (2014)
Housefull 4 is a Bollywood comedy film that is inspired by the Tamil film Sathuranga Vettai. While the original is a heist thriller, the Bollywood version took a completely different turn by blending it with comedy, ensuring that the essence of both films was maintained but with a significant change in tone. Directed by Farhad Samji, this film stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles.
Though the plot is similar, the Bollywood version had to incorporate more humor and slapstick elements to appeal to the Hindi audience.
Where to Watch & Download: Housefull 4 is available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and can be downloaded via official streaming apps.
3. Baaghi 2 (2018) – Remake of Kshanam (2016)
Baaghi 2 is a Bollywood action-packed thriller starring Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani. It is a remake of the Telugu film Kshanam, which had a similar premise involving an ex-soldier who embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue a kidnapped girl.
The Bollywood version upped the action quotient, with more high-octane stunts and choreography, making it a commercial success at the box office.
Where to Watch & Download: Baaghi 2 is available for streaming on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, and it can also be downloaded from various legal services.
4. Drishyam (2015) – Remake of Drishyam (2013)
Perhaps one of the most successful remakes, Drishyam is the Bollywood adaptation of the Malayalam thriller film Drishyam. Directed by Nishikant Kamat and starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, Drishyam follows the story of a man who goes to great lengths to protect his family after an unfortunate event.
The Bollywood version closely follows the original but with subtle changes to better suit the Hindi-speaking audience. This remake was met with critical acclaim and was praised for its compelling narrative.
Where to Watch & Download: Drishyam is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where it can also be downloaded legally.
5. Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) – Remake of Pithamagan (2003)
Lage Raho Munna Bhai is a Bollywood comedy-drama that is inspired by the Tamil film Pithamagan. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, the film is a part of the Munna Bhai series and focuses on the journey of a gangster who is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to bring positive change in his life.
While the original film had a more serious tone, Lage Raho Munna Bhai used comedy and humor to narrate its story, making it one of Bollywood’s most beloved films.
Where to Watch & Download: You can watch Lage Raho Munna Bhai on platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, and it is available for download on legal streaming services.
How to Watch and Download Bollywood Remakes
Legal Streaming Platforms
To watch and download Bollywood remakes, you can use various legitimate platforms that offer high-quality content and a safe viewing experience. Some of the best platforms to watch these films include:
- Netflix – With a vast collection of Bollywood films, Netflix provides a user-friendly platform for streaming and downloading remakes.
- Amazon Prime Video – This platform also offers many Bollywood remakes of South Indian films, available for both streaming and download.
- Disney+ Hotstar – One of the most popular platforms for Hindi films, Hotstar offers a wide range of Bollywood remakes from South Indian films.
Legal Downloading Services
While streaming platforms are the primary way to watch these films, legal downloading options are also available for viewers who want to save their favorite films for offline viewing. Legal downloading services can be accessed through:
- The official apps of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, which allow users to download content legally.
- Online rental services where users can rent movies for a limited time and download them to watch offline.
Why Bollywood Remakes of South Indian Films are So Popular
Bollywood’s remakes of South Indian films are popular for several reasons:
- Strong Storylines – South Indian films are known for their gripping storylines, and Bollywood remakes often keep the core elements of the original films intact.
- Star Power – Bollywood stars bring their own fan base to the films, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
- Box Office Success – Remakes of South Indian films have often proven to be financially successful, making them a popular choice for filmmakers.
- Adaptability – The South Indian cinema industry is incredibly diverse, and its films can be adapted to fit the tastes of a larger Bollywood audience, thanks to universal themes.
Conclusion
Bollywood remakes of South Indian films have played an important role in bridging the gap between regional and mainstream cinema. These remakes have gained immense popularity among Hindi-speaking audiences and helped many South Indian films reach a broader audience. Whether it’s the action-packed thrillers like Baaghi 2 or the suspenseful mysteries like Drishyam, these remakes have successfully adapted iconic South Indian films into Bollywood blockbusters.
For those who want to watch and download these films, several legal streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar offer a great selection. Always opt for legal services to ensure you are watching and downloading movies in a safe and authorized manner.
By exploring Bollywood remakes of South Indian films, viewers can enjoy a great mix of gripping narratives, star-studded casts, and thrilling experiences.
