From Kerala to the World: How Malayalam Movies Inspire Remakes
Malayalam cinema has long been celebrated for its compelling storytelling, strong character-driven narratives, and unique filmmaking style. Over the years, many Malayalam movies have transcended linguistic and geographical barriers, finding new audiences through remakes in multiple Indian languages and even international adaptations. Let’s explore some of the most iconic Malayalam films that have been remade in various languages and analyze the impact of these adaptations on Indian and global cinema.
Malayalam Movies Remade into Other Indian and Foreign Languages
10 Malayalam Movies That Redefined Indian Cinema Through Remakes
1. Manichitrathazhu (1993) – The Psychological Thriller That Inspired Many
Remade As:
- Tamil: Chandramukhi (2005)
- Telugu: Nagavalli (2010)
- Kannada: Apthamitra (2004)
- Bengali: Rajmohol (2005)
- Hindi: Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Fazil’s masterpiece Manichitrathazhu, starring Mohanlal, Shobana, and Suresh Gopi, remains one of the most celebrated psychological thrillers in Indian cinema. The film’s gripping storyline about a haunted house, combined with Shobana’s spellbinding performance as Ganga/Nagavalli, made it a cult classic. Its most famous Bollywood remake, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, brought a comedic touch while maintaining the eerie essence of the original.
2. Drishyam (2013) & Drishyam 2 (2021) – The Benchmark for Thriller Remakes
Remade As:
- Hindi: Drishyam (2015) & Drishyam 2 (2022)
- Tamil: Papanasam (2015)
- Telugu: Drushyam (2014) & Drushyam 2 (2021)
- Kannada: Drishya (2014) & Drishya 2 (2021)
- Sinhalese: Dharmayudhaya (2017)
- Mandarin Chinese: Sheep Without a Shepherd (2019)
- Hollywood, Indonesian and Korean remakes are also in the works
Mohanlal’s Drishyam series, directed by Jeethu Joseph, has been remade in multiple languages due to its universally appealing theme of a father’s unwavering determination to protect his family. The Bollywood remake, starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu, was a massive success, reinforcing how Malayalam cinema’s intricate narratives resonate with audiences across India.
3. Kireedam (1989) – A Tragic Masterpiece Adapted in Multiple Languages
Remade As:
- Tamil: Kireedam (2007)
- Hindi: Gardish (1993)
- Kannada: Kireedam (2011)
Sibi Malayil’s emotionally charged drama starring Mohanlal as a young man forced into a violent path was remade in Tamil with Ajith Kumar in the lead role. The Hindi version, Gardish, directed by Priyadarshan, featured Jackie Shroff and was well-received for its gripping storytelling.
4. Ramji Rao Speaking (1989) – The Origin of Hera Pheri
Remade As:
- Hindi: Hera Pheri (2000)
- Tamil: Arangetra Velai (1990)
- Kannada: Trin Trin (1992)
One of the most iconic comedy movies in Malayalam cinema, Ramji Rao Speaking, was the foundation for Bollywood’s Hera Pheri. Priyadarshan’s adaptation in Hindi, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, became a cult classic and remains one of the best comedy films in Indian cinema.
5. Classmates (2006) – A Nostalgic College Drama Remade in Multiple Languages
Remade As:
- Tamil: Ninaithale Inikkum (2009)
- Telugu: Classmates (2007)
A hit among the youth, Classmates was a nostalgic college drama with a suspenseful twist. Its Tamil and Telugu remakes attempted to retain the essence of the original but couldn’t match the impact of the Malayalam version.
A Cinematic Legacy of Malayalam Movies
6. Traffic (2011) – The Pioneer of Hyperlinked Cinema in India
Remade As:
- Tamil: Chennaiyil Oru Naal (2013)
- Hindi: Traffic (2016)
A revolutionary Malayalam film, Traffic, introduced the concept of hyperlink cinema in India. The Bollywood remake, starring Manoj Bajpayee, failed to create the same emotional intensity as the original.
7. Bangalore Days (2014) – The Modern Youth Drama Loved Nationwide
Remade As:
- Tamil: Bangalore Naatkal (2016)
Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days captured the hearts of audiences with its youthful vibe and heartfelt emotions. The Tamil remake, though featuring a stellar cast, lacked the magic of the original.
8. Bodyguard (2010) – The Romantic Action Drama That Took Bollywood by Storm
Remade As:
- Hindi: Bodyguard (2011)
- Tamil: Kaavalan (2011)
- Telugu: Bodyguard (2012)
Siddique’s Bodyguard was a box office hit in Malayalam, and its Bollywood adaptation starring Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor became a massive commercial success.
Malayalam Movies That Became Hits Across Languages
9. Lucifer (2019) – A Political Thriller on the Path to International Adaptation
Remade As:
- Telugu: Godfather (2022)
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Lucifer starring Mohanlal was a massive success and was later adapted in Telugu with Chiranjeevi. There are ongoing discussions about a potential Hindi or foreign adaptation of the movie.
10. Premam (2015) – The Coming-of-Age Love Story That Inspired the South
Remade As:
- Telugu: Premam (2016)
Alphonse Puthren’s Premam, starring Nivin Pauly, was a game-changer in romance movies. The Telugu remake with Naga Chaitanya was appreciated, but the Malayalam version remains irreplaceable.
You May like these Articles
- Sitaare Zameen Par: 5 Reasons to Watch Aamir Khan’s Heartfelt New JourneyBollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist is back, and this time he’s returning to familiar emotional territory—but with
- Thug Life Movie Review: Exploring the Highs and Lows of Kamal Haasan’s Latest Gangster DramaAfter a 36-year hiatus since the iconic Nayakan, the legendary duo of Kamal Haasan and
- 5 Reasons Housefull 5 Could Be the Funniest Bollywood Film of the YearHousefull 5: 5 Reasons to Watch Akshay Kumar’s Biggest Comedy Franchise Yet The madness is
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Malayalam Cinema on Indian and Global Film Industries
Malayalam cinema has proven time and again that content is king. The industry has consistently delivered high-quality films that not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact on audiences. While many remakes have successfully adapted Malayalam classics to a wider audience, the essence and brilliance of the original versions remain unparalleled.
Share this:
Discover more from Movie Explore Mentor
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.