Bollywood has produced a myriad of unique films over the years that covered a variety of interests, but how would they look with an American spin?
Laal Singh Chaddha is an upcoming Hindi remake of the beloved 1994 classic, Forrest Gump, due to come out in August 2022. Conversely, quite a few Bollywood films have been translated into Hollywood stories. Bollywood is best known for its masala films, interweaving numerous genres with flashy musical settings. That said, multiple stories have emerged in recent years that cover a wide stream of more complex or serious topics.
From intriguing thrillers to heartfelt dramas, Indian cinema has gone outside the box to break its glittering typecast, but American adaptations are still infrequent. Incorporating some original international ideas into today’s American cinema landscape would likely be refreshing for moviegoers.
2017’s Raabta is widely known for its incredible chemistry between leads Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon. The pair play star-crossed sweethearts reincarnated in modern-day Budapest, 800 years after their first romance ends in tragedy. When the third of their love triangle appears (Jim Sarbh), he goes to great lengths to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.
All this epic tale needs for the Hollywood treatment is placement in the right hands to execute the toggling timeframes. The action sequences and warrior costumes perfectly balance out the romance, reaching a broader demographic. Containing breathtaking scenery, a promising cast, and a bombastic soundtrack, Raabta would be Hollywood gold.
2012’s Heroine details the descending career of a popular movie actress. Originally offered to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the role of Mahi Arora eventually went to Kareena Kapoor Khan, who delivered one of her best performances to date.
Mahi is beautiful in her complexity, living life in a glass house due to sabotaging her happiness and driving away the ones that love her. Heroine serves as a cautionary tale of the toxicity of fame, and how a fall from grace can be detrimental and earth-shattering. Beyond the glitz and glam, the film shines a much-needed light on mental health struggles.
The world through the eyes of a child can be as confusing as it is fascinating. This 2007 family drama centers around a precocious young boy named Ishaan (Darsheel Safary) and his struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia. With the guidance of an encouraging teacher (the film’s director Aamir Khan), Ishaan is able to channel his frustrations through painting and flourish amongst his classmates.
Unlike other movies that have attempted to tackle sensitive topics (such as 2021’s ill-fated autism musical, Music), Taare Zameen Par has an authentic delivery. This story is vital to both children struggling with learning difficulties and their families.
An opposite attracts tale rarely disappoints, and I Hate Luv Storys delivers. Aspiring filmmaker, Jay (Imran Khan), is paying his dues as an assistant to one of the biggest romance directors in Bollywood. He is a womanizer that despises all things romance until he meets production designer Simran (Sonam Kapoor), whose life is everything “amour.”
What makes I Hate Luv Storys unique is that it subtly pokes fun at an adored genre. The film will remind audiences of other girl-falls-first movies like Last Christmas and Plus One. This breezy story could be easily converted to fit the Hollywood rom-com format.
Imtiaz Ali’s 2014 film Highway is a unique take on the road trip genre. A vibrant upper-class bride named Veera (Alia Bhatt) is kidnapped by criminal Mahabir (Randeep Hooda) and his bandit gang the night before her wedding. Initially fearful, Veera dives into this new adventure, finding her true self along the way.
Highway is a tale of resilience, about one finding courage through less than ideal circumstances. The film highlights a female protagonist overcoming trauma to achieve independence. Having Alia Bhatt reprise her role in an American remake following her Hollywood debut opposite Gal Gadot would be superb.
When a ragtag trio gets entangled with an international criminal conglomerate, all hell is bound to break loose. A diamond delivery gone awry, average joe roommates Tashi, Nitin, and Arup (Imran Khan, Kunaal Roy Kapur, and Vir Das, respectively) must think quickly on their feet to keep their heads.
Delhi Belly evokes millennial films like Superbad and Neighbors in its tone and adds a twist to the buddy comedy genre with felonious associations. A rock and roll-based soundtrack, crude humor, and action sequences would make this a stellar movie for a guy’s night out.
Unlucky in love, physiotherapist Mili (Sonam Kapoor) is assigned to treat a Rajasthani king. Soon after, she encounters his uptight prince, Vikram (Ms. Marvel actor Fawad Khan’s film debut). Discovering the tragedy behind the king’s paralysis, Mili takes it upon herself to enlighten the family with her zany brand of life.
2014’s Khoobsurat is a remake of the 1980 movie of the same title, making it par for the course to have an American adaptation. The romantic and familial themes in a royal setting are all ingredients for a wonderful feel-good film.
The first volume of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy trilogy, Stree, is rather delightful in its fright. A kind tailor named Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) falls for an intriguing young woman (Shraddha Kapoor) that arrives in his town for the Durga Puja festival. Upon her appearance, an angry spirit has been kidnapping men in plain sight, prompting Vicky and his friends to solve the case.
The film will remind audiences of such horror comedy classics as Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice. Stree provides an opportunity for American viewers to witness a different take on a popular movie category.
Nikhil Advani’s 2003 directorial debut Kal Ho Naa Ho is a special romantic dramedy. Naina (Preity Zinta), a pessimistic young woman, falls for her vivacious neighbor Aman (Shah Rukh Khan). Quietly dying from a terminal illness, Aman knows he can not return the love he has for Naina, so he decides to play matchmaker between her and her best friend Rohit (Saif Ali Khan).
Tragic romance has become a rising genre in recent years, as seen with La La Land and A Star Is Born. Within Kal Ho Naa Ho lies a deeper message, representing themes of healing and self-love.
Siriam Raghavan’s 2018 dark comedy crime thriller sees a blind pianist (Ayushmaan Khuranna) who becomes enmeshed in the murder of a Bollywood star. Following its sweep of critical acclaim and several accolades, the film has currently been remade in three other Indian languages. With that being said, it would certainly benefit from a Hollywood adaptation.
Andhadhun is a delicious cat and mouse game from start to finish. The consistency and originality of the story keep audiences on their toes about what will further transpire. Among other things, the interpretive ending would leave fans continuing to scratch their heads on Reddit.
Elana Marino is a listicle writer for ScreenRant. Recently graduating from Moorpark College with an Associate of Arts degree in Film and Television Media Studies, Elana plans to continue her education to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Elana’s favorite shows are “Game of Thrones” and “Squid Game”. Having been a cinephile and pop culture fanatic since an early age, Elana also dabbles as YouTube personality “Elmarsuperstar131”. You can see her videos at https://www.youtube.com/c/Elmarsuperstar131.
10 Bollywood Films That Deserve A Hollywood Adaptation – Screen Rant
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