• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • REVIEWS
    • TRAILERS
  • BUSINESS
  • CELEBRITIES
  • HOLLYWOOD
  • REGIONAL
  • TV
  • MUSIC
  • TOP LISTS

Bollywood Presents

Exotic locations where popular Bollywood movies were shot

You are here: Home / Film & Media Business / Bollywood Inspired by World Cinema, But Opts for Legal Remakes Now

Bollywood Inspired by World Cinema, But Opts for Legal Remakes Now

November 20, 2014 by BollywoodPresents Team

Bollywood Looks Towards Hollywood for Inspiration Imitation is the best form of flattery, and most producers in India think that giving a ‘desi version’ of a hit Hollywood movie (they go after other foreign movies as well nowadays) to the audience is the recipe for success; although history has shown us otherwise.

Rarely, has a a desi version of a Hollywood production lived up to the success of the original. In fact, remakes of several South-Indian films have gone on to become massive hits, but rarely any Hollywood-remake!

So why does Bollywood often looks towards Hollywood for Inspiration?

Tremendous Demand for Content in India

One of the reasons is the sheer number of films that gets produced every year in Bollywood. When you talk about Bollywood, one of the topic that comes up is the number of movies that it produces every year, which then leads to the discussion that most of those movies are remakes and that Bollywood lacks originality.

With so many movies churning out so fast, filmmakers are bound to run out of ideas. That’s one of the reasons that be it music or movies, India has looked towards the World (especially Hollywood) for inspiration many a times.


By the way, what’s the difference between inspiration and copying?

I think, as far for Bollywood is concerned its more or less the same…well almost…at least that was the case until a few years back!



Why Bollywood Should Start Making Legal Remakes

World is Still Not Connected

Its only in recent years that it has become so easy for information to flow across geographical boundaries. Indian filmmakers are keen to reach out to a bigger audience, and foreign production houses are coming to India to capitalize on the business opportunities. So in recent times, it has become some what difficult to straight-away lift a tune or idea from Hollywood, or for that matter any other film industry.

However that was never the case always!

Several Bollywood composers and filmmakers, in the past, have relied heavily on Hollywood for inspiration/ideas, and some of them blatantly copied as well, thinking that the audience here will not come to know about it!

Even today, its only in the metro cities of India that the audience is likely to have seen the original, and not in the smaller towns!

Remakes Make Good Business Sense

Its not that only Bollywood makes remakes; even Hollywood does lots of remakes. In fact, remakes make good business sense as its often necessary to continue producing new entertainment products for consumers.

Business-wise, it still makes sense to remake Hollywood (and other foreign) movies! Its because there’s a huge demand for movies that needs to be met.

So if production houses can make money by remaking some of the Hollywood classics, then why not?


Bollywood Looks Towards Hollywood for Inspiration

There are many in India who love to watch the typical ‘Masala’ movies, and prefer to see the Bollywood versions over their original Hollywood versions (bit bland for them).

Also, those living in the metros watch a lot of Hollywood movies; there’s still a huge audience out there (in India) who may not have seen the original movie, and really don’t care as long as the movie is entertaining (bit of everything). So the inspired versions may still get eyeballs in the smaller cities/towns!

Why Hollywood Is Interested in Bollywood

For several years Hollywood didn’t pay attention to the unauthorized remakes of Bollywood because the money involved was not significant enough. However that aspect has changed in recent years; here are some more reasons.

  • India’s growing economy means there’s more money left on the table
  • Slumdog Millionare’s success and the growing Indian American population has caused Hollywood to shift its attention to India’s largest film industry.
  • Globally, Bollywood films have more viewers than Hollywood films

All these things mean Bollywood filmmakers just can’t steal ideas from Hollywood and make remakes, without giving due credit (and profit sharing) to the original creator.

Indian Filmmakers Viewpoint

Ask Mahesh Bhatt about Indian copying ideas, he’ll quickly disagree, because Bhatt Sahab feels that there are only a handful of original ideas in the world, and whatever movies get made, they do borrow from those ideas in some manner or the other.

Most Indian filmmakers, who’re accused of lifting ideas from foreign movies, feel that the “Indianization” of foreign films creates a distinct, non-infringing, product. These remakes often expand the original stories to include plots that focus on families and social relations. Besides, Indian films usually do not stick to one genre, unlike foreign films that can be classified as a comedy, drama, action movie, or a musical.

Indian films contain elements of all these genres (known as ‘Masala’ movies) and have about 30 to 40 minutes of song sequences (resembles American music videos). That’s why Indian filmmakers often don’t see anything wrong with their remake version.

Most Indian Filmmakers Taking the Legal Route

Filmmakers are more cautious now. It doesn’t mean they have stopped borrowing from Hollywood, it just means they give the due credit (wherever applicable) or take all the necessary permissions, buy the remake rights, and so on.

Well, at least most of the them are doing so (to avoid any legal hassles)!

But the fact remains that most movies lack originality or have very thin content, and most do look towards Hollywood for inspiration, especially if they want the movie to look stylish (costumes, styling, action scenes, car chases, etc.)!

So is it a concern for Bollywood? Not really! After all, its business at the end of the day.

Besides, its not that Bollywood is not producing original content, its just that if you look at the percentage, you might think that most of the movies produced are trash or just lacking in originality.

But then, there’s hardly anything that the world is not borrowing from America in the 21st century! Isn’t it?

Recent Controversies

  • In 2007, Hollywood studios Overbrook Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment came after the producers of the hit Bollywood film Partner and charged them with plagiarizing the Will Smith film Hitch (2005). Reports indicated that the studios could possibly demand $30 million from the producers of Partner. That matter was eventually settled and the details were not made public.
  • A few years ago the Filipino producers of a small film Cavite got a cash settlement from the Indian production house UTV (now owned by Disney) for making Aamir (2008). Aamir closely resembles Cavite.
  • In 2004, the Bhatt family made Murder—the first film in the series, lifting the plot from the Adrian Lyne film Unfaithful (2002) with Richard Gere and Diane Lane. For last year’s Murder 3, the Bhatts actually bought the rights of the Colombian thriller The Hidden Face. And their recent production Citylights was the legal remake of the 2013 British-Filipino film Metro Manila.
  • Filmmaker Karan Johar bought the rights to remake Stepmom (1998) in Hindi. Even though We Are Family (2010) was a disaster as a film, it was at least a legal remake of Stepmom. And recently Johar and producer Guneet Monga announced that they had bought the rights to remake the French hit Intouchables.

Why Hollywood is Going Slow with the Lawsuits?

In almost all the cases, a foreign studio that remakes a film will also purchase the rights to do the remake. But if a studio doesn’t (lots of example in Bollywood), it can invariably lead to a lawsuit.

If you’re wondering why there are only a few instances where foreign productions have taken Indian filmmakers to court, its because of business opportunity.

Most Hollywood studios are not keen to take the legal route because they have started investing in Bollywood productions; lawsuits could damage the relationships that they’re building with Bollywood studios.

Besides, Hollywood filmmakers will have a tough time proving damages in a lawsuit against a Bollywood studio because the Hollywood films are not as profitable in Bollywood’s markets.

As far as Indian studios are concerned, there’s always a right way to copy ideas.

Though several original plots can be seen in Bollywood movies, there are many who still resort to stealing ideas (taking inspiration) from Hollywood and other foreign films. However, looking at the global reach of Bollywood, probably its time that filmmakers here at-least make legal remakes of film, if they have to get inspired/steal ideas. Besides, even the makers of the original movies are taking notice of this fact now, and taking legal action.

So it’s surprising (and of course unethical and illegal) that Mohit Suri and Balaji Films—the producers of ‘Ek Villain’ decided not to pay the remake rights fee to the producers of ISTD (Korean thriller ‘I Saw The Devil’, 2010).

Though Bollywood continues to make remakes illegally, in recent years several production houses have started taking the legal route.

Nevertheless, with the recent controversies surrounding remakes, I guess its only a matter of time before all Indian filmmakers start procuring appropriate licences for making remakes.


Quartz

If Bollywood is going to steal ideas, it should at least do so legally
Quartz
He is a columnist for Mumbai Mirror and a regular contributor to India Abroad and its sister website Rediff.com. Bollywood makes about 1,000 films each year and earns $3.5 billion in revenue. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki. Last weekend before the screening of …

Filed Under: Film & Media Business

RELATED POSTS

After playback singing, Chief Minister’s wife Amruta moves in front of camera

After making her debut in playback singing, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta Fadnavis moves in front of the camera, seen in a glamorous avatar. Amruta Fadnavis, who used to work for Axis Bank in Nagpur, is making the most of her stay in Mumbai. And it seems she’s slowly getting enamored with Bollywood. […]

Baahubali 2 (The Conclusion)

Does Baahubali’s stupendous box office success make Prabhas a bigger star than Bollywood’s Khans?

Now that the whole of India is going gaga over Prabhas, one question that everybody wants to ask is whether Prabas is now the biggest star in India? If not bigger than Rajinikanth? Is Prabhas bigger than our Bollywood Khans – SRK, Salman & Aamir? Here’s an interesting answer given by a lady on Quora. […]

Tanushree vs Nana Patekar

Here’s how Bollywood is shooting intimate scenes (post MeToo) to prevent sexual misconduct

After Tanushree Dutta openly spoke about how she faced sexual harassment at the workplace, and with other female actors also sharing their #MeToo stories, studios and actors have been thinking of ideas on how to shoot intimate scenes that would prevent chances of sexual misconduct (and also save them from false accusations). For her short […]

Top 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in the World

Most in Indian cities have never seen a Lion or Tiger in their lives, even in the zoos as most zoos have very few animals and birds, and are poorly maintained. If you live somewhere in India, then probably what you have seen as a zoo is nothing compared to some of the best zoos […]

Rehearsing the lines before an audition

A Strugglers Typical Day Chasing Bollywood Dreams

We all love our Bollywood stars, and surely envy the fame and fortune they make. But how does it all start? What does it take to get the first break? If you already have a mom/pop working in the industry, probably it’s easier to get the break. If you have tons of money to spend, […]

burj khalifa dubai

How Dubai managed to transform itself from Desert Village to Global Player

Dubai is no longer the desert village that used to be involved in trading and minor oil production at one time. The city has come a long way and has seen some tremendous growth and has transformed into a global investment and tourism hub. Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, once summed up […]

Top 10 Most Treacherous Hiking Trails, Bridges: World’s Scariest Paths

Here are the most adrenaline pumping Hiking Trails and Bridges from around the world. Do you think you have the guts to attempt one of these? Get ready to face your fears, and for some, these trails could be your lifetime adventure. El Caminito del Rey, Spain (World’s Deadliest Pathway) ‘El Caminito del Rey’ in […]

himalayas

Did Mount Everest get shorter after the devastating Nepal earthquake?

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015 devastated the country, resulting in huge losses. But some scientists believe that the earthquake could have shaved an inch or so of Mount Everest. India’s surveyor general recently announced that they’re going to “remeasure” Mount Everest to determine if the earthquake did shave a bit off […]

ki & ka movie

Ki & Ka Movie Review

Ki & Ka (The movie is about a young couple’s marriage and the challenges placed upon men and women in Indian society.) Director: R. Balki Producer: R. Balki, R K Damani, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Sunil Lulla Cast: Kareena Kapoor as Kia Arjun Kapoor as Kabir Swaroop Sampat Rajit Kapur Amitabh Bachchan (cameo) Jaya Bachchan (cameo) Rajat […]

tiger shroff Baaghi 2

Baaghi 2’s portrayal of Kashmir human shield incident disgusts many

The film Baaghi 2’s opening scene where Tiger Shroff uses a man as a human shield, tying him to the front of his jeep to protect himself from an angry crowd, bears an uncanny resemblance to an incident that happened in Kashmir where Farooq Ahmad Dar, an innocent Kashmiri voter, was used as a human […]

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

RECENT POSTS

Bobby Deol

Bobby Deol completes 25 yrs in Bollywood

Son of Bollywood veteran Dharmendra and brother to Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol recently completed 25 … [Read More...] about Bobby Deol completes 25 yrs in Bollywood

Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

Shabana Azmi, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of Pune, made her film … [Read More...] about Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

war movie

Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

Hrithik Roshan is a superstar in Bollywood and is among the highest paid actors in the film … [Read More...] about Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

sooryavanshi movie

Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Almost everybody associated with the film industry is despondent about the future. With COVID-19 … [Read More...] about Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Money Scandals

Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

In Bollywood and other film industries in India, there's a saying that "there's no business like the … [Read More...] about Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

celebrity endorsements

It’s 2020 and Bollywood is still obsessed with fair skin

Makers of the upcoming movie 'Khaali Peeli', starring Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, are facing … [Read More...] about It’s 2020 and Bollywood is still obsessed with fair skin

Kangana Ranaut's pali hill office

BMC demolish illegal constructions by Bollywood actors & filmmakers

BMC begins the demolition of illegal alterations to Kangana Ranaut's office in Bandra. The … [Read More...] about BMC demolish illegal constructions by Bollywood actors & filmmakers

deepika padukone

Deepika Padukone: Net worth and luxury splurges

Deepika Padukone is one of the leading actors in Bollywood and commands a higher remuneration than … [Read More...] about Deepika Padukone: Net worth and luxury splurges

Hrithik Roshan

Rakesh Roshan completes 50 years in Bollywood, talks about Bollywood

Veteran actor and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has completed five decades in the film industry. However, … [Read More...] about Rakesh Roshan completes 50 years in Bollywood, talks about Bollywood

Sushant Singh Rajput

Showik Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda admit to Drugs Procurement, arrested by NCB

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda in connection with … [Read More...] about Showik Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda admit to Drugs Procurement, arrested by NCB

Amazon Fashion

Footer

Upcoming Bollywood Movies

  • Love Aaj Kal Movie
  • Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Movie
  • Hawayein Movie
  • Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Movie
  • The Hundred Bucks Movie
  • BHOOT: Part One – The Haunted Ship Movie
  • Haunted Hills Movie
  • 'O' Pushpa I Hate Tears Movie
  • Guns Of Banaras Movie
  • Thappad Movie

Bollywood Movie Reviews

  • Malang Review
  • Jawaani Jaaneman Review
  • Panga Review
  • Street Dancer 3D Review
  • Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior Review
  • Chhapaak Review
  • Good Newwz Review

Top Celebs

  • Ajay Devgn
  • Kajol
  • Saif Ali Khan
  • Shraddha Kapoor
  • Varun Dhawan
  • Deepika Padukone
  • Kangana Ranaut
  • Tabu
  • Aditya Roy Kapur
  • Disha Patani
  • Rajinikanth

About Us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in