In the past, Bollywood has seen many South Indian film remakes create a storm at the box office. Starting from compelling stories, innovative filmmaking, and memorable characters, South cinema has been a treasure trove. Over the years, several films from the southern region have captured the imagination of audiences across India and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.
With Bollywood often looking to remake successful regional films, here’s a curated list of South Indian movies that we feel are ripe for Bollywood adaptations with popular starcast.
JAILER
The Tamil drama stars Rajinikanth in the lead as a stern yet compassionate jailer who sets out to stop a gang when they try to flee their leader. The massy drama if remade in Bollywood could potentially be a gritty and intense crime drama with elements of suspense and thriller. However, what could be interesting will be watching Sanjay Dutt stepping into the shoes of Rajinikanth while his son could be played by Siddhant Chaturvedi.
The story can revolve around the life of a tough and principled jailer who finds himself embroiled in a complex web of corruption, power struggles, and moral dilemmas within the prison system.
BRAMAYUGAM
Under the direction of Rahul Sadasivan, the Malayalam thriller reaches new heights as it gradually shifts its focus to contemplate the concept of unchecked authority and its tendency to corrupt, even those with good intentions. The horror drama with elements of local fantasy features Mammootty as the only surviving member of a crumbling, dilapidated house.
If the film were to be remade in Bollywood, one can only imagine Jaideep Ahlawat who can bring his own interpretation to the role. His ability to embody complex emotions and portray intricate characters would add layers to the narrative. Given his filmography, Jaideep could infuse the character with the depth and nuance it requires.
PUSHPA
The film with Allu Arjun in the lead is not just popular in the South. With the sequel in the works, fans are quite curious to witness the spectacle on the big screen. The success of the film lies not only in its riveting narrative but also in the stellar performance of Allu Arjun, who breathes life into the character of Pushpa Raj with his nuanced portrayal.
If ‘Pushpa’ was to be remade in Bollywood, one cannot help but speculate about the potential star cast that could do justice to the iconic roles. While replicating Allu Arjun’s charisma may seem like a daunting task, Bollywood boasts a plethora of talented actors who could rise to the occasion. Ranveer Singh is one such actor who can bring his own flair to the character.
On the other hand, Rashmika Mandanna’s character would suit none other than Kiara Advani, who can bring a unique charm to the role.
LEO
‘Leo’ directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj is said to be the Lokesh Cinematic Universe starring Thalapathy Vijay, Trisha Krishnan and Arjun Sarja in key roles. The film is about Parthiban (Vijay), a mild-mannered cafe owner in Kashmir, who fends off a gang of murderous thugs and gains attention from a drug cartel claiming he was once a part of them.
Now, what will happen if the film finds its place in Bollywood? Adding his own depth and dimension to the narrative, Akshay Kumar would suit the best for the lead role as Vijay with Kareena Kapoor as Trisha and Javed Jafferi as Arjun Sarja. The dynamic trio is sure to take the storyline to new heights and, given their fanbase, the casting is a sure-shot blockbuster mantra.
KANTARA
The film by Rishab Shetty is a story set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada which explores the ideological conflict between humans and nature. A battle of ego swirls along the tradition and culture of the land.
As discussions about the Bollywood remake of ‘Kantara’ continue, it will be interesting to know about the casting of the film. Ajay Devgn who has played the lead earlier in various South cinema remakes like ‘Drishyam’ and ‘Singham’, would be an ideal choice as the protagonist in ‘Kantara’. The actor has the potential to captivate audiences and resonate with viewers across generations, breathing new life into this legend.
So which South film’s Bollywood remake would you like to watch?
