Explore how Bollywood masterfully adapts global suspense thrillers into Indian cinema. Discover the best Indian remakes of international hits and their unique twists.
Bollywood has a long history of drawing inspiration from global cinema, particularly when it comes to suspense thrillers. While many remakes have stayed true to their originals, others have introduced uniquely Indian elements that make them stand out. From edge-of-the-seat thrillers to psychological mysteries, Bollywood has successfully adapted numerous international hits while catering to the sensibilities of Indian audiences.
In this article, we explore some of the best Bollywood remakes of foreign suspense films, comparing them with their originals and analyzing what made them successful.
1. Drishyam (2015) – Inspired by The Devotion of Suspect X (2005, Japan)
Original: The Devotion of Suspect X is a Japanese film based on Keigo Higashino’s novel of the same name. It tells the gripping story of a murder cover-up orchestrated by a brilliant mathematician.
Bollywood Adaptation: Drishyam, starring Ajay Devgn, took the core idea and infused it with Indian family values. The protagonist, Vijay Salgaonkar, uses his intellect to protect his family from the law. The film was a massive success, leading to a sequel and multiple remakes in regional languages.
What Worked:
- Emotional depth added through strong family bonds
- Cultural adaptation of the protagonist’s tactics
- A gripping screenplay that kept audiences hooked
2. Kaante (2002) – Inspired by Reservoir Dogs (1992, USA)
Original: Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs is a cult classic heist thriller known for its nonlinear storytelling and intense dialogues.
Bollywood Adaptation: Kaante takes the same concept of a heist gone wrong but gives it a Bollywood twist. Featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, the film had stylish action sequences and emotional depth that resonated with Indian audiences.
What Worked:
- A strong cast that delivered powerhouse performances
- A fusion of Hollywood-style action with Bollywood drama
- A more emotional approach to the heist genre
3. Murder (2004) – Inspired by Unfaithful (2002, USA)
Original: Unfaithful is a psychological thriller that explores themes of love, betrayal, and consequences.
Bollywood Adaptation: Murder, starring Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat, adapted the story while incorporating steamy romance and Bollywood-style drama. The film’s music was a major factor in its success, making it one of the most memorable thrillers of its time.
What Worked:
- A sizzling romance combined with a suspenseful storyline
- Chart-topping soundtrack that kept audiences engaged
- Relatable Indian marital conflicts that added depth
4. The Girl on the Train (2021) – Inspired by The Girl on the Train (2016, USA/UK)
Original: Based on Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel, The Girl on the Train revolves around an alcoholic woman who gets entangled in a murder mystery.
Bollywood Adaptation: Parineeti Chopra led the Indian version, which retained the core premise but localized it for an Indian audience. While the adaptation received mixed reviews, it showcased Bollywood’s attempt at psychological thrillers.
What Worked:
- A darker and more intense performance by Parineeti Chopra
- Indianized settings that made the story more relatable
- Enhanced focus on emotional turmoil
5. Badla (2019) – Inspired by The Invisible Guest (2016, Spain)
Original: The Invisible Guest is a Spanish thriller that follows a businessman accused of murder and the unexpected twists that unfold.
Bollywood Adaptation: Badla starred Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, offering a gender-swapped version of the original film. The Bollywood adaptation maintained the gripping storytelling while adding a fresh narrative twist.
What Worked:
- Gender role reversal for a unique perspective
- Amitabh Bachchan’s compelling portrayal of the lawyer
- A satisfying climax with unexpected revelations
Why Bollywood Loves Adapting Foreign Thrillers
- Proven Success: Since these stories have already captivated global audiences, Bollywood ensures a high chance of success with well-crafted remakes.
- Localization: While Hollywood thrillers cater to global audiences, Bollywood adapts them to Indian culture, adding family values and emotional depth.
- Star Power: Casting popular Bollywood actors adds mass appeal, making these thrillers more commercially viable.
- Musical Element: Unlike Western thrillers, Bollywood integrates music and romance, making these films multi-dimensional.
Bollywood’s adaptation of foreign thrillers has proven to be a winning formula. While some remakes stay faithful to their source material, others bring a fresh twist that enhances the storytelling for Indian audiences. Films like Drishyam, Badla, and Kaante exemplify Bollywood’s ability to blend global suspense with Indian cinematic traditions.
As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect more thrilling adaptations that cater to both Indian and international audiences. If you’re a fan of suspense movies, these Bollywood remakes are definitely worth watching.
FAQ
1. Are Bollywood thriller remakes better than the originals?
It depends on the adaptation. Some, like Drishyam, have been praised for their depth and cultural relevance, while others have struggled to match the impact of the originals.
2. Why does Bollywood remake so many foreign films?
Bollywood sees remakes as a way to bring internationally acclaimed stories to Indian audiences while adapting them to local sensibilities.
3. Are these Bollywood remakes legal?
Most Bollywood remakes are legally adapted with official rights purchased from the original creators.
4. Which upcoming Bollywood remakes of foreign thrillers should we watch out for?
Several international thrillers are rumored to be getting Bollywood adaptations, including Nightcrawler and Gone Girl. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements!
5. Where can I watch these Bollywood thriller remakes?
Many of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar.
Bollywood continues to reimagine global suspense thrillers with a local twist, proving that great storytelling transcends borders. Whether you’re a fan of Bollywood or international cinema, these adaptations showcase the best of both worlds!
