In the last few years, the entertainment content space has widened its scope, much to the delight of consumers all over the country. The clear and distinct bifurcation between regional content and Hindi films is no longer a hindrance. Be it the impact of social media that has turned some regional celebrities into Pan-Indian superstars or the sheer brilliance of marketing tools and techniques used in films to give it a National relevance. Interestingly enough, majority of movies in South that created buzz were either remade in Hindi or are in talks of being made. However, it’s never the other way round and that certainly speaks volumes of the quality of South movies in India today. So today, we at IWMBuzz are here to bring to you all a list of special movies that were originally made in South but gained National prominence either due to their official Hindi remakes or because of sheer positive word of mouth reviews.
Pushpa: Without any element of doubt, the list here had to begin with this blockbuster of a movie starring the likes of Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Everything, right from the cast to the songs and sheer treatment of Allu Arjun’s swag moments deserves praise and wonder, it became a huge hit. It is a prime example of a good film being a good film irrespective of the original language in which it was made.
Pokiri: It is one of Mahesh Babu’s biggest commercial hits and no wonder it helped him establish himself as the bonafide superstar that he is today. The movie was also remade in Hindi in the form of Salman Khan’s ‘Wanted’. While Pokiri in general was quite popular among the South Industry viewers, the blockbuster success of Wanted made fans more curious to watch the original movie and that’s when it created a buzz all over the country.
Soorarai Pottru: It is undoubtedly one of the most popular and impactful South movies in the recent past. From winning special accolades and awards in the country to getting International nominations, this one starring superstar Suriya and Aparna Balamurli in lead roles will certainly keep you glued to the screen till the very end. It is soon going to be remade in Hindi and it will be interesting to see whether that version does justice to the original.
Arjun Reddy: This movie was certainly a game-changer for Vijay Deverakonda. Until Kabir Singh, the official Hindi remake of the movie was done, Arjun Reddy was a cult only down South. But after the success of Kabir Singh, the internet went crazy seeing the original Telugu version. Deverakonda’s popularity became so high that he ended up with a Bollywood debut as a gift from Karan Johar alongside Ananya Panday in Liger.
Anniyan: This movie released long back in 2005 and it starred artistes like Vikram, Sadha and late actor Vivek. Although the movie was released in 2005, it majorly started to get National fame and popularity after a Hindi remake of the same was announced with Ranveer Singh where director Shankar is set to be at the helm of affairs. It will be interesting to see Ranveer carry forward the legacy of the movie.
Jersey: The original movie that starred the amazing Nani in the lead role was loved by one and all. The popularity and fandom of the movie hit such a high that a Hindi remake was announced for the same. After a spree of delays due to Covid-19 and other external factors, the movie got released in cinemas on April 22, 2022.
Vikram Vedha: This is undoubtedly one of the most popular and cult classics in the South regional film industry. It is one of those movies down South where fans can actually say or rather demand that it deserves a Hindi remake. Well, seems like the makers of the movie were paying close attention to feedback of viewers and it resulted in something that has never happened before. Both Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan will be seen in the Hindi version and it has enhanced the popularity and ‘watch time’ of the original even more.
Ala Vaikunthapuramuloo: Once again, Allu Arjun and Pooja Hegde’s on-screen magic and brilliance proved to be a trendsetter and that’s why a regional Telugu movie like this grabbed so many eyeballs that it became too irresistible for directors in B-Town to not indulge in remaking it in Hindi. Kartik Aaryan is all set to star in the Hindi remake of the movie and it will be interesting to see how Kartik handles his comparisons with Allu Arjun, someone for whom swag and style come naturally.
Hit: The First Case: It is one of the finest action-thriller movies made in the Telugu entertainment industry recently. The movie was released in 2020 and it was spearheaded by the likes of Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma. The movie was appreciated by one and all on OTT and right now, fans are eagerly waiting to see Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra in action as they are set to star in the Hindi version of the same.
Driving Licence: This 2019 movie created quite a buzz and sensation all over the country because of its interesting plotline and impactful performances. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramoodu, with Miya George, Deepti Sati, Saiju Kurup, Suresh Krishna, Lalu Alex, Major Ravi, Nandhu and Arun in supporting roles. It is a hilarious tale of a man who loses his licence and his encounter with a cop who ends up becoming a fan of his. The Hindi version of the movie is soon set to star the likes of Akshay Kumar, and Emraan Hashmi alongside Nushrratt Bharucchha and Diana Penty.
Well, there’s no harm in recreating someone else’s vision as every director and creative artiste have their own ways of giving expression to a project. However, should Bollywood continue to try their luck by remaking almost every second South blockbuster now and then or is it time for them to take a backseat, introspect and take bold calls? Only time can tell.