Bollywood on remake road

Unlike Hollywood remakes are a new phenomenon in India but it is slowly catching up. Starting with DON, some of biggest Bollywood blockbusters have been remade or are being remade.

DON released in 1978 had amitabh in lead role. No need to say that movie was a trend setter. Hence it was quite obvious that if a remake is to be made then it must start with don. Farhan akhtar did that with his version of DON (2006) starring shahrukh khan. Similarly ramesh sippy's SHOLAY (1975) was remade by Ramu in RAM GOPAL VERMA KI AAG. There are many versions of Devdas available in market having its own set of superstars.

the question is why producers and directors are running towards making remakes. Why the sudden rush? A term bhedchal best describes the recent phenomenon. Remakes are being made by talented directors but remakes do not guarantee success. Numerous instances are available, both in Bollywood and Hollywood, which can prove it. Why would movie goers pay for a movie whose story they already know?

Reasons are many. The first is we want to see the difference. We want to judge the movie; whether it is better or worse? Do the current actors perform better or worse? We are intrigued and we want to feel the chill ourselves. Most of the remade movies are not as successful as their earlier versions were. DON was successful but not as successful as Amitabh’s DON. At the same time, RGV’s AAG failed miserably at the box office as compared to the path breaking SHOLAY and its Gabbar Singh.

Same fate occurred to UMRAO JAAN. Despite good performances, movie was a big commercial failure. DEVDAS is an exception. Movies have been made, both in hindi and Bengali, and have been successful with a varying degree.

One thing is proved though. History can be repeated but the results may or may not be. Similarly remakes can be made by anyone, no need to bother about scripts and all, but it is very tough to recreate the magic of earlier.