Bollywood Movies Inspired by Hollywood

Bollywood movies inspired by Hollywood have often sparked a great deal of conversation among movie buffs. It’s no secret that Bollywood has borrowed several ideas, plots, and even scenes from Hollywood films over the years. While some of these films are adapted or remade openly, others have cleverly disguised their influences, taking inspiration while being credited as original works. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the most notable Bollywood movies that were heavily influenced by Hollywood, yet marketed as 100% original.

Bollywood Movies Inspired by Hollywood: When Inspiration Crosses the Line

Bollywood has a long history of looking to Hollywood for inspiration. From the storytelling styles to the visual flair, there’s no doubt that filmmakers in Bollywood have been influenced by their Western counterparts. However, many of these films have been celebrated as completely original, despite obvious similarities to their Hollywood inspirations. Some directors have openly admitted to taking inspiration, while others have quietly borrowed elements without giving much away.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest Bollywood movies that were inspired by Hollywood but still went on to be credited as original creations.

1. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) – Inspired by American films about infidelity

Directed by Karan Johar, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is a film that took a lot of cues from Hollywood’s exploration of extramarital affairs. With themes of forbidden love and the complications of modern relationships, the movie is heavily inspired by films like Unfaithful (2002) and The English Patient (1996). However, the way Karan Johar presented the story, focusing on the emotional turmoil of the characters, set this film apart in Bollywood, and it was promoted as an original work. Despite the obvious influences, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna sparked a conversation about the taboos surrounding infidelity in Indian society and was praised for its bold take on a sensitive topic.

Where to watch:
You can stream Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

2. Chandni Chowk to China (2009) – Inspired by Hollywood’s martial arts films

Bollywood’s attempt to blend action, comedy, and martial arts came in the form of Chandni Chowk to China. While it had its moments of originality, the film drew a significant amount of inspiration from Hollywood martial arts movies like Kung Fu Panda (2008) and The Karate Kid (1984). The film, starring Akshay Kumar, presented a rags-to-riches story with a dose of action-packed choreography, but many of its themes and stunts were clearly influenced by the Hollywood blockbusters. Despite this, it was marketed as an original comedy-action movie and wasn’t officially credited as a remake.

Where to watch:
Chandni Chowk to China is available to stream on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.

3. Vivah (2006) – Inspired by classic Hollywood romances

Vivah, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, is a quintessential Bollywood film that deals with the traditional concept of arranged marriages. However, its overall theme of the growing love between a young couple mirrors the storyline of many Hollywood romance films, including Pride and Prejudice (2005) and The Sound of Music (1965), which also focus on love blooming through patience and understanding. While Vivah added its unique cultural elements, the core storyline bears a striking resemblance to many Western romantic narratives. Yet, it was credited as an original Hindi film based on the complexities of Indian marriage customs.

Where to watch:
You can watch Vivah on YouTube and Disney+ Hotstar.

4. Gunday (2014) – Inspired by The Godfather and Scarface*

Gunday, starring Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, is a film that combines action, crime, and drama in the story of two friends-turned-enemies. It takes clear inspiration from Hollywood classics like The Godfather (1972) and Scarface (1983). The story of rising gangsters and the complicated relationships they navigate bears uncanny similarities to these iconic Hollywood films, from the sibling rivalry to the gritty underworld setting. However, Gunday was marketed as an original Bollywood story that drew upon Indian history and mythology, cleverly veiling its Hollywood influences.

Where to watch:
You can catch Gunday on YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

5. Raja Hindustani (1996) – Inspired by Pretty Woman (1990)

One of the most famous Bollywood hits of the ‘90s, Raja Hindustani, starring Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor, is often considered a Bollywood take on the Hollywood romantic comedy Pretty Woman. While the settings and cultural elements are different, the basic premise of a wealthy man falling in love with a woman from a different social class echoes Pretty Woman’s storyline almost verbatim. Despite this, Raja Hindustani was presented as an original Bollywood film, earning a huge box office success and becoming one of the era’s most iconic films.

Where to watch:
You can watch Raja Hindustani on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.

6. Koi Mil Gaya (2003) – Inspired by E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Bollywood has had its fair share of science fiction and fantasy films, but Koi Mil Gaya, directed by Rakesh Roshan, stands out for being an adaptation of the Hollywood classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film follows Rohit (played by Hrithik Roshan), a developmentally delayed young man who befriends an extraterrestrial being, much like the relationship between Elliott and E.T. in Spielberg’s iconic movie. While Koi Mil Gaya had a unique Indian take and incorporated fantasy elements, it remains heavily influenced by its Hollywood counterpart. Despite this, it was marketed as an original Bollywood film and is still one of the most beloved sci-fi films in Indian cinema.

Where to watch:
You can stream Koi Mil Gaya on YouTube and Netflix.

Conclusion: Bollywood’s Subtle Homages to Hollywood

Bollywood movies inspired by Hollywood may not always be direct remakes, but it’s clear that Bollywood has borrowed a fair amount of inspiration from its Western counterparts. From plotlines to characters and overall themes, these films often take inspiration from Hollywood but are celebrated as original works of Indian cinema. Whether it’s a dramatic love story, a rags-to-riches narrative, or a martial arts-filled adventure, Bollywood’s ability to adapt and repackage these concepts for Indian audiences has resulted in some memorable hits.

While Bollywood films continue to thrive on their own unique storytelling style, it’s fascinating to see how Western cinema has left its mark on the Hindi film industry, sometimes without ever fully acknowledging it. Nonetheless, Bollywood fans continue to enjoy these “original” films, unknowingly watching Hollywood inspirations in the most entertaining form.

Where to watch Bollywood movies inspired by Hollywood
If you’re interested in exploring these Bollywood films, you can catch many of them on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.

Did you know the first Indian movie was silent ?